Attention Taxpayers:
City Staff & Leaders are excited to share the following information regarding the City’s portion of property taxes:
The City of Ida Grove will be REDUCING the CITY property tax rate by .7128/$1,000 of taxable valuation for fiscal year 2026!
Click Here To View FY26 Proposed Property Tax Rate Explanation
The City of Ida Grove reminds residents not to blow grass clippings into city streets or alleys to prevent clogging of city storm drains. Leaving grass clippings in any street or alley is considered a “nuisance” and also includes debris such as leaves, brush, nails, glass, or rubbish of any kind. The placing of debris, including grass clippings, on streets and alleys could lead to violators being charged for clean-up per City Code 12.30.030. Placing Debris on Streets, Violation and Abatement.
Warmer weather is just around the corner! The City of Ida Grove reminds residents of the requirements for mowing of their properties within the city limits under Chapter 8.30 of the City Code. It is unlawful for owners of each lot and parcel of ground within the city limits to fail, refuse, or neglect to cut or destroy all weeds, vines, brush or other growth and debris. Property owners are reminded that any vegetation which reaches a height of more than 8 inches is required to be mowed. Any property not mowed after the vegetation reaches 8 inches in height, may be mowed by the City or their agents, and a charge of $75.00 per hour plus a surcharge of $100.00 will be charged to the property owner. This publication will serve as notice to property owners.
The City Council will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 proposed property tax levy. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, 4/7/2025 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, Ida Grove, IA. The attached notice has been published in the Ida County Courier (3/26/25), and on the City of Ida Grove, Recreation Center, Library, and the Fire Department Facebook pages in addition to the website.
The City of Ida Grove, from time to time, as designated by the city council at a regular meeting, may open, operate and maintain a compost and/or brush pile on city property for the use and convenience of citizens residing in the corporate limits for disposal of yard waste, trees, branches and bark during the designated hours of operation. 8.35.010
During the periods of time the city compost pile or brush piles are open, citizens of Ida Grove may deposit in the compost pile yard wastes defined for purposes of this section as grass clippings, leaves, flowers, etc.; produced as part of yard and garden development and maintenance and deposit in the brush pile, bark, tree limbs, and branches not exceeding 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length. 8.35.020
8.35.030 It shall be unlawful and a municipal infraction to: (1) Deposit in the compost or brush pile compost or other brush originating from outside the city limits. (2) To deposit in the brush or compost piles any matter or items not designated in this chapter (e.g., plastic bags or other containers, tree limbs exceeding maximum size, garbage and building materials. (3) To remove compost or brush without specific authorization from the city clerk. (4) Deposit compost or brush other than during times or hours of operation.
The municipal offense fine for violation of this chapter is $250.00 for first offense, $500.00 for second offense, and $750.00 for third or subsequent offenses. 8.35.040
Per City Code 13.25.150 (8) Hours and dates of burning: No person will be allowed to burn nearer than 10 feet of any building, or on any street or sidewalk at any time. Burning is only permitted between the hours of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. from April 1 to Nov. 30 of each year. Yard waste is the only material that is allowed to be burnt. It shall be illegal for any person to burn or allow open burning on the premises except during the times and during the dates stated in this paragraph.
Property owners are responsible for maintenance of trees on their property and on the city parking adjacent to their property as stated in City Ordinance 12.05.040. All branches are to be at least 15 feet above the street surface and 8 feet above sidewalks. Trees, bushes, shrubs, etc. are to be trimmed so they do not obstruct pedestrians, vision of traffic signs, or the view of any street or alley intersection. Alleys also need to be cleared to allow truck passage.
This serves as a reminder to all property owners and contractors that permits are required prior to beginning any construction or maintenance on projects such as: water, sanitary sewer, building construction, etc. Please visit the online city code at https://idagrove.municipal.codes/ or contact City Hall if you are unsure if a permit is required in order to avoid penalties.
Due to yesterday’s weather and the continued clean up effort across the area, the program scheduled for tonight at the library –“Adventures Along Iowa’s Historic Lincoln Highway with Darcy Maulsby” — has been postponed.
The new date for this program is Thursday, April 3 at 5:30 PM.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the change and appreciate your understanding.
For those planning to attend, we look forward to seeing you then! If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date, feel free to reach out for more information.
Due to the weather, City Hall will be closed today, March 19. Please stay home and stay safe!
With the impending blizzard conditions expected to impact our area tomorrow, 3/19/2025, we would like to inform the residents of Ida Grove that our City Crew will be operating with one less plow truck and sander due to unforeseen mechanical issues that are unable to be resolved prior to the storm. We ask the residents to please be patient as our crews try and get streets open.
HELP WANTED
The City of Ida Grove is currently seeking an energetic and highly motivated individual to join our team for a seasonal, part-time mowing position. Working hours will be determined by the Park’s Superintendent, up to 25 hours/week, with all equipment provided by the City. Current driver’s license is required. Experience in mowing, lawn clean-up, and trimming is preferred, but willing to train the right person. Seasonal work will run from approximately April through September. Must be 18 years of age or older to apply.
Application and job description may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Position is open until filled. E.O.E.
Nothing says freedom like the great American road trip, especially when you cruise the historic Lincoln Highway in Iowa. Better known today as Highway 30, the Lincoln Highway revolutionized Iowa and America when the historic route was developed more than a century ago.
“If you’ve ever traveled on an interstate—or any paved road, for that matter—you owe a debt of gratitude to the visionaries who promoted the Lincoln Highway to connect the country,” said Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, a Lake City-area author who recently published the non-fiction book The Lincoln Highway in Iowa—a History with The History Press. “The development of the Lincoln Highway and its legacy today reflects a tremendous story of American innovation, community spirit, freedom, and an unshakable belief in a brighter future.”
Maulsby, known as Iowa’s Storyteller, will bring the stories from her new book to life during her fun, interactive program, “Adventures Along Iowa’s Historic Lincoln Highway—the Ultimate Iowa Road Trip,” which she will present on Thursday, March 20th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Ida Grove Public Library. The program is free and open to the public, and the event will include a book signing.
In 1913, the Lincoln Highway became the first coast-to-coast highway, connecting New York City to San Francisco. It passed right through Iowa, from Clinton to Council Bluffs. As much as 85% of the original highway is still drivable in Iowa, according to the Lincoln Highway Association (LHA).
“I’ve traveled the Lincoln Highway countless times during my 20+ years as an ag journalist,” said Maulsby, who has published six other non-fiction books on Iowa history. “The more I learned about this storied route, the more I knew this history needed to be preserved.”
While it’s hard to imagine now, there were almost no good roads to speak of in the United States, especially in Iowa, as late as 1912. Most roads were just dirt: bumpy and dusty in dry weather, muddy and impassable in wet weather. It was much easier to take the train—or just stay home.
Still, Iowans were restless, especially after Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908. As automobile fever spread, an entrepreneur named Carl Fisher took note. His Indianapolis Motor Speedway proved successful, especially after he paved it with brick. By 1912, Fisher dreamed of another grand idea: a highway spanning the continent.
It was a long, hard journey to make this dream a reality, but by Oct. 31, 1913, the LHA dedicated the route of the Lincoln Highway.
“I’m convinced no state today can compare to Iowa when it comes to getting a sense of what it might have been like for earlier generations of motorists on the Lincoln Highway,” Maulsby said. “We can check into some of the same places travelers did decades ago, like the Lincoln Hotel in Lowden. We can eat in the same restaurants, like the Lincoln Café in Belle Plaine, Taylor’s Maid-Rite in Marshalltown, or the Pink Poodle Steakhouse in Crescent.”
Curious about the story behind the mysterious Moss markers north of Scranton? Do you know what supper club near the Lincoln Highway served gangsters like John Dillinger and Al Capone—and you can still eat there today? Wondering why an old grain elevator in Woodbine showcases a massive art installation? You’ll pass the test with flying colors—and impress your friends—when you delve into Iowa’s amazing Lincoln Highway history.
“There are countless pieces of the past just waiting to be re-discovered along the Lincoln Highway in Iowa,” Maulsby said. “Along the way, you can still find inspiring stories of dynamic entrepreneurs, people who care about their community, and rural revitalization, mixed with historic preservation, along the Lincoln Highway. This is the ultimate Iowa road trip, especially if you want to experience the real America.”
Signed copies of the 208-page, illustrated book The Lincoln Highway in Iowa—a History will be available during the event, along with Maulsby’s other non-fiction, illustrated Iowa history books (including A Culinary History of Iowa; Iowa Agriculture: A History of Farming, Family, and Food; Calhoun County; Dallas County; Classic Restaurants of Des Moines; and Madison County).
For more details, contact the Ida Grove Public Library at (712) 364-2306 or Maulsby at [email protected]. You can also visit Maulsby online at www.darcymaulsby.com.
Help Wanted – Summer Rec Umpires
The Ida Grove Community Recreation Center is currently looking for umpires for the upcoming summer softball & baseball season.
Full time and substitute umpires are needed for Summer Rec. Games will be held week nights from May 9 through the end of June. Umpires will be paid a minimum of $30 per game. Certified umpires will be paid $50 per game. Major/Minor games require at least one certified official.
Those interested in umpiring should contact Recreation Director Scott Clark at 364-3716 or [email protected].
Now Hiring: Outdoor Lifeguards!
The Ida Grove Rec Center is currently accepting applications for the following positions for the upcoming outdoor pool season:
Position Overview
As a member of our outdoor pool team, you will play a key role in ensuring the safety and security of our pool patrons. Your responsibilities will include monitoring pool activities, maintaining a clean and safe environment, log taking, chemical testing, and performing other duties as assigned by the Pool Manager or Assistant Pool Manager.
Qualifications
Important Dates
How to Apply
Applications are available at the Ida Grove Rec Center.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of a fun and rewarding summer job! Apply today!
****UPDATE*****
Well repairs were successfully completed. In order to reduce stress on the pump, we will be refilling the water tower slowly. Please continue to conserve and reduce water usage throughout the evening. Wednesday, March 5, 2025 citizens may resume normal water use, unless otherwise notified.
The City of Ida Grove is asking residents to please conserve water as we are dealing with a mechanical issue at our well site. We are addressing the situation as quickly as possible, as repair parts are on the way. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will keep you informed as repairs are made.
Hello from the Ida Grove Library!
Spring is here, and so are plenty of new books! This month, we’ve got fun activities, fresh reads, and a dash of library magic to keep you entertained. So grab your reading glasses, and let’s leaf through this month’s newsletter!
Feel free to print a copy to share with friends and family – just click the link below!
March 2025 – Word on the Shelves
