Learn How the Census Helps Your Community!

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Mark your calendars for April 1, 2020 and record your information for the 2020 Census!  Information about the 2020 Census will be mailed to most addresses beginning in mid-March 2020. People can respond online, by mail or by phone. If no response is received, a census taker will come to your home to follow up in person.  The 2020 Census is vital for communities across the world.  The results of the census help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed to states and communities every year.  For more information, please visit https://2020census.gov and find out how YOU can help your community!

Final day for pet licensing at discounted rate!

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Stop into City Hall today and get your pet license at a discounted rate!

Any owner of a dog or cat within the city limits is required to license the animal the first of each year or when the animal has reached the age of six months. The owner must license the animal within 60 days of moving to town or within 60 days of obtaining a new pet at the January to February rates. The owner will need to provide the breed, sex, color, markings and name of each animal as well as the address and phone number of the owner. It is the responsibility of the owner to present proof the animal being licensed is incapable of breeding, if applicable. The owner must also provide proof of a current rabies vaccination in order to license the animal. The fees for licensing dogs and cats are as follows:

JANUARY 1 – FEBRUARY 28    $10.00 If Altered  $15.00 if Unaltered
MARCH 1-DECEMBER 31    $20.00 if Altered    $25.00 if Unaltered

Firemen Bell

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Photo Credit:  Amy Forbes

The Firemen Bell was officially hung in Godbersen Park this morning!  Thank you to all who have contributed to this project along the way!  Thanks to Ladwig Construction (Ross Ladwig) and John Tietsort for assisting Public Works hang the bell.  This project was one that could not have been completed without many hands from the community and we appreciate all of you!

Resolution 2020-9 Approving the Maximum Property Tax Dollars Requested for FY21

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 Shown above is Resolution 2020-9 A Resolution Approving the Maximum Property Tax Dollars Requested for Fiscal Year July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021

Maximum Levy Hearing Notice

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Per SF 634 – a public hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers on 2-18-2020 at 5:30 PM on the proposed maximum property tax dollars from certain levies.  Residents and taxpayers of the City may present to the City Council any objections or arguments in favor of the tax dollars before the budget is adopted and certified to the County Auditor.  The attached notice has been published in the Ida County Courier (2-5-2020) and on the City of Ida Grove Facebook page in addition to the website.

Max Levy Hearing Notice Attachment

 

Updated Utility Bills

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The City of Ida Grove’s utility bills got a fresh, new look! Bills are heading to the Post Office today, so be on the lookout for the new RED color!

City Hall Closing

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City Hall will be closing at 2:00 pm today due to the inclement weather.  Stay safe, Ida Grove.

Happy New Year – 2020

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City Hall will be closing at 11:30 am on Tuesday, December 31st and will be closed Wednesday, January 1st for New Years.  We wish you all a healthy and Happy New Year.  We look forward to seeing you next year when we re-open on Thursday, January 2, 2020!

Happy Thanksgiving, Ida Grove!

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City Hall will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th.  We hope you all enjoy time with friends and family and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ida Grove Library to host Holiday Open House & Raffle Fundraiser

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The Ida Grove Library will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7, from 9 am – 2 pm. Included in the open house is a bake & book sale in the Heritage Room and holiday raffle fundraiser. The holiday raffle fundraiser will run through December 14, and winners will be drawn on December 16. Chances for the raffle are $1 each or 6 for $5.

Wondering what we have on our holiday raffle table? Items on this year’s raffle table include:

Set of 5 LED Candles with Remote
Lego Creator set (Gingerbread House)
Magforce Magnets in Motion set
American Girl Wellie Wishers “Willa” Doll
Large Insulated Bag
Drone with a camera
Vera Bradley suitcase/travel set
Autographed Copy of Lisa Scottoline’s “Someone Knows”
Echo Dot & Smart Home Plug (4) set
Hat and Mitten set
Handmade Crochet Scarf
Nail Art set
Autographed set of Doug Clough’s “Colorful Characters” and Life, Love, and Laughter from My Backyard”
Set of 3 LED Candles with Remote
Set of 2 Children’s movie passes
“Pony Express” – Framed Pheasants Forever Print of the Year 2000-2001 by James A. Meger
“Storm Break” – Framed Pheasants Forever Print of the Year 2001-2002 by James A. Meger
Cozy Winter Nights Book Basket ( 5 books, blanket, mug, hot cocoa, and popcorn included)

Thanks to all of our donors for their generous donations to this year’s raffle table, we appreciate all of your support! All proceeds from the raffle fundraiser will support library programs and events throughout the year. We hope you’ll stop in to see us during the open house and take a chance on some of these great items!

Water and Sewer Rates

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The final reading of Ordinance 576 – Water and Sewer Rate Increase was passed and approved at the regular city council meeting held Monday, November 18, 2019.  This is a courtesy notice that the new rates will go into effect for bills dated on or after January 1, 2020.  For the full ordinance change, please see attached link.  Ordinance 576

Holiday Spirit!

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City Crew Members, Bob Lorenzen and Kris Taylor, taking advantage of this beautiful Fall day by getting Ida Grove ready for the holidays.

Billing Due Date Extension

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City Council has met and voted to offer an extension on the due date for utility bills normally due November 15, 2019.  All City utility bills for this month will now be due by November 21, 2019.  A late fee will be applied to any and all bills that remain unpaid after the 21st.  Shut off notice dates will remain unchanged for any and all bills unpaid after November 30, 2019.

Delayed Delivery of Utility Bills

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City Hall staff have been working with the United States Post Office in order to track down everyone’s utility bills.  Utility bills were mailed out on October 31st, but we confirmed yesterday that the bills were still in Des Moines.  USPS said today that citizens should receive their bill by the end of the week.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Savor Iowa’s Culinary History in Ida Grove on November 14

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What comes to mind when you think of Iowa food? Everyone has an Iowa food story, and Lake City, Iowa, author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby will bring these stories to life on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, at the Ida Grove Public Library in Ida Grove for a free Adventures in Iowa’s Culinary History program and book signing starting at 6:00 p.m.

“From Iowa originals like Maid-Rites to kolaches to homemade cinnamon rolls—served with chili, of course—there are many remarkable stories behind Iowa’s tastiest traditions,” said Maulsby, Iowa’s Storyteller, who has been featured in the Iowa History Journal, Our Iowa magazine, Iowa Public Radio and more. “Pull up a chair, and relish what you missed in history class.”

During her fun, interactive program, Maulsby serves up fascinating tidbits and cooking tips related to more than 150 years of Iowa cuisine and ethnic food traditions, from all corners of the state, with stories that include Iowa’s classic breaded pork tenderloins, church dinners, the historic Younkers Tea Room, Laura Ingalls Wilder and more. Discover how Iowa’s delectable cuisine is quintessentially Midwestern, grounded in its rich farming heritage and spiced with diverse ethnic influences.

Want to know where in Iowa you can dine at a James Beard award-winning steakhouse? Any idea where to find Iowa’s own distinctive style of potato chips, which might be the world’s best chips? What if you want to step back in time and enjoy a slice of homemade pie at an Iowa icon that first opened in 1852? You’ll pass the test with flying colors—and impress your friends—when you delve into Iowa’s culinary history.

“Even those who are well acquainted with Iowa food lore are sure to find something new and interesting,” said Julie Goodrich, who wrote a review of “A Culinary History of Iowa” in the Iowa History Journal. “Go on an adventure with this fun, fascinating and tasty tale of culinary traditions that weave through Iowa’s past and present.”

“I’m passionate about helping people make the farm-to-fork connection and reconnecting with Iowa history,” Maulsby said. “If you have an appetite for adventure, you can’t do better than Iowa when it comes to history, culture, and one-of-kind culinary experiences. ‘A Culinary History of Iowa’ offers a fun way to explore the world without leaving Iowa.”

Signed copies of “A Culinary History of Iowa” will be available during the event, along with Maulsby’s other non-fiction, illustrated Iowa history books (“Calhoun County” and “Dallas County”) and her postcard collections featuring rural Iowa images and postcards featuring favorite vintage photos from the Culinary History of Iowa book.

For more details, contact Angela Scales at the Ida Grove Public Library, 100 E 2nd St. (phone 712-364-2306), or Maulsby ([email protected]). You can also visit Maulsby online at www.darcymaulsby.com.

Ida Grove Library to host local author, Douglas Clough

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The Ida Grove Library is honored to host guest speaker, Douglas Clough, on Thursday, November 7th at 6:30 pm. Clough, local author, and Ida Grove resident will speak about his newly published books, Colorful Characters from Our Backyard: 2009-2019 and Life, Love, and Laughter from My Backyard: 2009-2019.

Clough, a freelance writer since 2009, has been published in multiple local and regional publications, including the Ida County Courier, The Iowan, Farm News, Boating World, and Midwest Living magazine. Colorful Characters from Our Backyard is a compilation of Clough’s “From our backyard…” column, interspersed throughout with correspondences between Clough and Farm News. Life, Love, and Laughter from My Backyard is a collection of stories reflecting on his wonder years, married life, and life with his children and companion dogs.

Starting at 6:30 pm, Clough will share selections from his writing with the audience. Book sets will be available to purchase for $20; Clough will sign copies for those in attendance.

For more details, contact Angela Scales at the Ida Grove Public Library, 100 E 2nd St. (phone 712-364-2306). You can also visit Clough online at www.iowabackyard.com.

Join Us For A Community Meeting!

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When:  Monday, October 21, 2019 from 5-6 pm

Where:  Ida Grove City Council Chambers

The elected officials of the City of Ida Grove would like to invite citizens to attend an informational meeting on Monday, October 21, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  The meeting will provide insight and education on the proposed water and sewer projects and a review of the cost associated with the projects.

Mini-Mystery at Ida Grove Library

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Reserve your time now! The library will be hosting a murder-free, family-friendly mini-mystery party on Friday, October 25th, from 11 am -3 pm.

Friendly monsters work together to solve a Halloween mystery. Every year, the monsters open their home on 213 Elm Street to the public on Halloween for a fright-filled haunted house tour. They use the proceeds from the haunted house to buy household supplies for the rest of the year, during which time the house stays boarded up and they stay inside. If the townspeople ever discovered the monsters in the haunted house were real, they would certainly drive them away – or worse.

Advertised for hundreds of miles on every billboard in every direction – “See The Thing!” “What is The Thing? See for Yourself!” – thrill-seekers and the merely curious come from distant cities to see The Thing, and it never disappoints. Those who have seen The Thing eagerly attest that it is the scariest sight they have witnessed in their entire lives. No one seems able to describe The Thing, and they all agree: you have to see it for yourself.

On the night before Halloween, the monsters just discovered that the key to the cellar where The Thing is kept is missing – someone has stolen it! Without The Thing, the haunted house will be a failure, the monsters’ reputations will be ruined, and they won’t have enough money to buy supplies for the rest of the year. How will they live and keep their identities secret? They have to find the key!

Are you ready to help them find the key? And figure out what The Thing in the cellar is? If you are adventurous and like a good mystery, sign up today! Your group must have 8 or more players. All ages are welcome to sign up, but independent reading skills are required to participate.  Call 364-2306 to reserve your spot!

 

Ida Grove Library to host Iowa Author Linda McCann

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The Ida Grove Library will host Iowa author, Linda McCann, for a special program about POWs in Iowa on Wednesday, October 23rd at 2 pm.

From 1943-1946, Iowa housed approximately 25,000 German, Italian, and Japanese prisoners of war. While Algona and Clarinda were the main camps, and there were about 17 branches or short-term camps throughout Iowa; including a camp in Storm Lake. The POWs worked in farm fields and canning factories, often taking the place of young men off to war. Linda has spoken with people who worked directly with the POWs, gotten to know them, and will share their memories throughout the program.

Copies of McCann’s new book, POWs in Iowa, will be available to purchase after the program.

We Want You!

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The Planning and Zoning Commission, an advisory body to the City Council, is in need of a volunteer to fill the vacant seat on their board.  This is a fantastic opportunity for citizens to become involved and give back to the community!  The commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.  We encourage citizens to consider this opportunity and contact City Hall for more information at 712-364-2428.

City Council Election Deadline

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The City of Ida Grove has 5 openings to fill within the City Council. The Ward I, II and III positions are up for election this November, as well as two City Council At Large Positions. At this time, there is no one running for the Ward II seat; we encourage citizens within Ward II to become involved. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in getting involved with local government and making a difference in their community. All interested parties are encouraged to contact Ida Grove City Hall at 712-364-2428 for more information or stop in to City Hall. Nomination paperwork can be picked up Monday through Friday 8 am-5 pm from Ida Grove City Hall. The deadline for returning nomination paperwork to City Hall is 5 pm on Thursday September 19, 2019. Don’t delay, make a positive impact in your community today!

Caution: Chemical Spraying

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Public Works crew members will be spraying for weeds over the next several weeks at City parks as well as other City property. These flags will be placed in all areas being sprayed, please refrain from walking through areas where this flag is present.

 

Ida Grove Library to host guest speaker, Barbara Lounsberry

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The Ida Grove Library will host special guest speaker, Barbara Lounsberry, for “Nancy Drew: Iowa’s Heroine to the World” on Thursday September 19th at 6:30pm in the Heritage Room of the Ida Grove Library.

Nancy Drew is the most popular female detective in fiction. Today she even outsells Miss Marple, Agatha Christie’s venerable heroine. More than 200 million copies of Nancy Drew mysteries have been sold, and she has been translated into 17 different languages. Few know, however, that Nancy is an Iowa heroine and that her creator was Mildred Augustine of Ladora, Iowa. Augustine’s authorship of the first Nancy Drew mysteries—and single-handed creation of Nancy’s admirable character—were kept secret for more than 50 years. Equally distressing is the fact that as Nancy grew in popularity, her Iowa roots were disguised.

Nancy Drew and her creator are extraordinary role models for Iowa girls and boys, women and men. Augustine was herself an intrepid Nancy Drew-like figure. An academic pioneer (the first woman to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism), Augustine earned 6 airplane pilots licenses, including one for sea planing; wrote 130 books for young people; and continued her newspaper column “On the Go” through her 96th and last year of life. The presentation “Nancy Drew: Iowa’s Heroine to the World” is designed to fortify Iowans young and old.

Guest speaker, Barbara Lounsberry, was born and raised in Iowa and retired recently as a Professor of English at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She has written books on literature and writing, and had the fun of editing three mystery novels set in Iowa, with each chapter written by a different Iowa author. Lounsberry’s latest books are a trilogy on Virginia Woolf and diaries. Lounsberry was named UNI’s Distinguished Scholar in 1994 and Outstanding Teacher in 1998. Lounsberry is the president of the Ruth Suckow Memorial Association and believes Iowa culture, like its soil, is incredibly rich.

We hope you will mark your calendars and join us for this program!

Join the City of Ida Grove’s Team at the Farmer’s Market

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Join the City of Ida Grove staff and officials as they serve a delicious meal at the September 5th Farmer’s Market in downtown Ida Grove! Menu will include chili, cinnamon rolls and hot dogs. Please join us from 4:30-6:30 for this fundraiser!

Ida Grove Welcomes New Council Member

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Mayor Devlun Whiteing welcomed the newest addition to the City Council Team on Wednesday August 21, 2019. Reynold McLead was appointed by the Ida Grove City Council to fill the Ward III Council vacancy created by former Council Member Scott Tomlinson moving out of the ward’s boundaries. McLead is not new to local government and comes to the Council after serving as the Chair of the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Because McLead’s appointment is to fill a vacancy, his seat will be up for election this coming November. McLead reports that he intends to run for the open office at that time and is excited to serve the City in this capacity.

Last Chance – Household Hazardous Waste Unit Coming to Ida Grove

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The household hazardous waste mobile unit will be coming to Ida Grove on Wednesday August 21, 2019 from 4-5:30pm. This is an excellent opportunity to get rid of all those hazardous items you may have hanging around your house but only a few spots remain so call City Hall at 712-364-2428 immediately to reserve your spot! Disposal cost is $2.50 per pound and the City pays for the first $25.00 – you just pay the remainder (if any)!

Are You Eligible for Help With Home Improvements?

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Ida County still has openings for residents to participate in the Western Iowa Community Improvement Regional Housing Trust Fund. For more information, please contact SIMPCO at 712-279-6286. 

Heritage Days Committee Meeting – July 23, 2019 @ 5:30 p.m.

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Heritage Days 2019 is done and in the books, and planning for the 2020 event will soon be underway! The Heritage Days Committee is meeting on Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 to hear feedback, gain community input and gather suggestions for the coming year’s celebration. The community is invited to attend to share their thoughts and feelings on the event so that planning for the 2020 season can start. New members are welcomed and encouraged as it takes many hands to make an event like this possible. Please consider joining us and sharing your feedback and time!!

 

Ida County Sets Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Meeting for July 24 – Public Invited

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City Council Openings

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2019 will be an election year for the Ida Grove City Council Ward I, II and III positions, as well as a City Council At Large Position. All interested parties are encouraged to contact Ida Grove City Hall for more information. Nomination papers are currently available at Ida Grove City Hall and can be returned starting August 26th, 2019. All nomination paperwork must be turned in to City Hall before 5 pm on Thursday September 19, 2019. For questions or more information, please contact City Hall at 364-2428.

 

Water Quality – 2018 Consumer Confidence Report Now Available

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Check out the 2018 Consumer Confidence Report available now from the City of Ida Grove:

 

 

2018 WATER QUALITY REPORT

FOR

IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY

 

This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater.   Our water quality testing shows the following results:

 

CONTAMINANT MCL – (MCLG) Compliance Date Violation Source
Type Value & (Range) Yes/No
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) [TTHM] 80   (N/A) LRAA 5.00 08/20/2018 No By-products of drinking water chlorination
Copper (ppm) AL=1.3   (1.3) 90th 0.58 (ND – 0.67) 2016 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives
Lead (ppb) AL=15   (0) 90th 0.00 (ND – 210)

1 sample exceeded AL

 2016 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
950 – DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Chlorine (ppm) MRDL=4.0   (MRDLG=4.0) RAA 0.9 (0.6 – 1.1) 12/31/2018 No Water additive used to control microbes
04 – WELLS #7 & 8, AT LOW RENT HOUSING
Sodium (ppm) N/A   (N/A) SGL 9.5 06/27/2018 No Erosion of natural deposits; Added to water during treatment process
Fluoride (ppm) 4   (4) SGL 0.78 (0.7 – 0.78) 05/21/2018 No Water additive which promotes strong teeth;  Erosion of natural deposits;  Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Nitrate [as N] (ppm) 10   (10) SGL 7.60 (5.9 – 7.60) 12/18/2018 No Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Atrazine (ppb) 3   (3) SGL 0.20 08/05/2015 No Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

 

 

Note: Contaminants with dates indicate results from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

  • Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
  • Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) — The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
  • ppb — parts per billion.
  • ppm — parts per million.
  • N/A – Not applicable
  • ND — Not detected
  • RAA – Running Annual Average
  • Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
  • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) – The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
  • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) – The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
  • SGL – Single Sample Result
  • RTCR – Revised Total Coliform Rule

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.  The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water posed a health risk.  More information about contaminants or potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.  Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.  EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.  Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.  IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.  When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.  If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested.  Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

 

Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population.  It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing.  If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water.  Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age.  High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome.  Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity.  If you are caring for an infant, you should ask advice from your health care provider.

 

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

 

This water supply obtains its water from the sand and gravel of the Alluvial aquifer.  The Alluvial aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials provide little protection from contamination at the land surface.  The Alluvial wells will be highly susceptible to surface contaminants such as leaking underground storage tanks, contaminant spills, and excess fertilizer application.  A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and is available from the Water Operator at 712-364-2989   .

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

For questions regarding this information or how you can get involved in decisions regarding the water system, please contact IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY at 712-364-2989.

 

Decisions regarding the water system are made at the city council meetings held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00pm at 403 Third Street and are open to the public.

 

Please note this report will not be mailed to individual customers, to obtain a copy please stop at City Hall, 403 Third Street, Ida Grove, Ia., or you may view a copy on the city website at www.idagrove.com

 

Check out the Ida Grove City Code online!!

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The City of Ida Grove’s ordinances can be found online at https://idagrove.municipal.codes/ . All Ida Grove City Codes are easily searchable and available in this one place. It is now easier than ever to get answers to your local law questions. This is a great resource for residents so check it out, today!

Help Needed for Heritage Days!

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The Heritage Days Committee is still in need of volunteers to help at food stands this weekend! Volunteers needed Friday evening @ Cobb Park from 4 until 6 or 7 pm. Volunteers needed Saturday @ City Park for the following shifts: 10:30-12:30, 12:30-2:30 and 2:30-4:30. Please call City Hall at 712-364-2428 if you can help out. Thank you to all of our volunteers for helping make this event possible!!!

Iowa’s Hidden Treasures with Dan Kaercher

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The Ida Grove Library will be hosting a special event during Heritage Days weekend with Dan Kaercher, retired founding editor-in-chief of Midwest Living magazine and Iowa Public Television host. The event will take place on Sunday, June 30th at the Depot in Moorehead Park with a start time of 2pm. The Ida County Historical Society will be providing tours of the Stagecoach Inn, Barn and School on Sunday afternoon as well. Mr. Kaercher spent years traveling in almost every one of Iowa’s 99 counties in search of close-to-home attractions and getaways to share with his loyal readers and viewers. You’ll be amazed to learn what surprises you don’t know await right in your own backyard – Iowa.

This event is sponsored by a donation from the Heritage Days Committee to the library. Light refreshments will be served. We hope you come out to celebrate not only Ida Grove, but Iowa as well.

Volunteers Needed!

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Heritage Days is in need of volunteers to help fill spots at the food stand at City Park on Saturday June 28th!! Please contact City Hall to sign up for either the 10:30-12:30 shift or the 12:30-2:30 shift. This is one of Heritage Day’s biggest fundraisers and all help is much appreciated!!

Looking for a weekend getaway?

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Look no further than your Ida Grove Library Card! The library has purchased annual memberships to four organizations in Iowa that will jumpstart your weekend (or weekday) adventures! The Iowa Libraries Adventure pass is available free of charge to Ida Grove library cardholders and will allow admission for up to 2 adults and 2 children at the Blank Park Zoo, Science Center of Iowa and Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens, all located in Iowa’s state capital, Des Moines. If a weekend trip isn’t in your plans, why not try a day trip to Sioux City and visit the LaunchPAD Children’s Museum; where your pass will allow admission for 2 adults and up to 6 children.

The Adventure pass is available through reservation only with our online reservation software. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance; each cardholder (18+) can reserve one pass per organization every 365 days. To reserve your adventure pass, visit the library’s website (www.idagrove.lib.ia.us) and click on the adventure pass logo! If you have questions about the pass or how to reserve your dates, just stop in to see us or give us a call!

We hope you take time this summer to enjoy some of Iowa’s great destinations and spend the day or weekend with your loved ones.

Ida Grove Library to Host 2019 Summer Library Program

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Ida Grove Library presents…A Universe of Stories!

The Ida Grove Library is getting ready to kick off the 2019 Summer Library Program on June 11, 2019. This year we will explore the universe and all things related to space!

The Summer Library Program is open to all ages and is provided free of charge. We have some great events planned for this summer and are excited to see all of our summer readers again this year. The children’s program is open to children of all abilities through 5th grade. All programs are scheduled for Tuesdays starting at 10:30am. This year’s schedule includes:

June 11th @ 10:30am – A visit from the Sanford Museum
June 18th @ 10:30am – A visit from Laura with Ida County ISU Extension
June 25th @ 10:30am – A visit from Darrin Crow, Tale spinner and Troubadour
July 2nd @10:30am – Science Center of Iowa presents…Outer Space Odyssey!
July 9th @ 10:30am – Summer Library Party with special guest Jim Perry Magic

Make sure to stop by and register for the summer program, either at the library or check the library’s website at www.idagrove.lib.ia.us for a printable registration form and summer schedule.

We will also have a self-guided program for teens; make sure to stop in to pick up review forms and your daily scratch ticket for a chance to win prizes.

Adults are welcome to participate as well with a book bingo sheet, for each bingo sheet returned you can enter your name for our prize drawing at the end of the program.

For more information, call the library at 364-2306 or visit our website, www.idagrove.lib.ia.us

All programs are held at the Ida Grove Library and are free of charge.

Council Ward II Vacancy

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The City of Ida Grove currently has a Ward II Council Seat vacancy. If you or anyone you know is interested in serving the community, please contact City Hall, Mayor Whiteing or a Council Member today! Ward II is comprised of the following:

 

Commencing at the intersection of the centerlines of Main Street and Fourth Street; thence South along the centerline of Main Street to the center of Seventh Street; thence West along the centerline of Seventh Street to the middle of the intersection of Seventh Street and Taylor Street; thence South along the centerline of Taylor Street extended to the centerline of Badger Creek; thence randomly South and East along the centerline of Badger Creek to the centerline of South Main Street; thence South along the centerline of South Main Street to the middle intersection of Center Lane and South Main Street; thence East along the centerline of Center Lane to the middle of the intersection of Center Lane and Park Lane; thence South along the centerline of Park Lane to the middle of the intersection of Park Lane and Zobel Lane; thence East along the centerline of Zobel Lane to the corporate limits.

Attached is a Ward II map.

Ward II Map

 

Severe Weather Awareness Week

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In observance of severe weather awareness week, Public Works and Emergency Management crews will be testing the sirens around 10 am today. Please do not be alarmed, this is only a test!

 

Disaster Proclamation

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Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation due to the flooding event this week. If you would like more information on how to apply for assistance, please see the attachment.

Disaster Proclamation

 

Volunteers Needed

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The City of Ida Grove in conjunction with the Ida Grove Fire Department are in desperate need of volunteers to fill sand bags today! There are currently several volunteers working diligently at the City Maintenance Shop, but could use more helping hands! Please consider volunteering your time to assist. Living Forward. Giving Back.

 

Now Hiring: Part Time Positions for the City of Ida Grove

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Ida Grove City Hall is currently seeking an energetic and highly motivated individual to join our team as a part-time custodian. Ideal candidates for this position would be detail-oriented, flexible and willing to take on non-routine cleaning and special projects as the need arises. This position will be responsible for cleaning and sanitizing offices, meeting areas, bathrooms, community hall, council chambers and public areas.

 

Ida Grove Public Library is accepting applications for a part time Library Assistant to work eighteen hours per week; including day, evening and weekend hours. The person in this position will provide our community with outstanding patron services and be committed to promoting the services the library offers. Candidates must have knowledge of current technology, excellent customer service skills, and be willing to learn library practices and procedures. This position requires a high school diploma and is contingent upon a successful background check.

 

Applications and job descriptions for these positions may be obtained from Ida Grove City Hall, 403 Main Street, Ida Grove, IA 51445. Positions open until filled.

 

 

Cast Your Vote on Water Fluoridation

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The Ida Grove City Council would like to hear from residents on whether or not fluoride should be added to Ida Grove’s water. To better represent you, the council wants to hear your opinion and have designed a survey system to allow citizens to voice their individual opinions. To cast your “vote” return the payment stub of your water bill by March 15th, 2019 with a ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ response to the following question: “SHOULD THE CITY ADD FLUORIDE TO THE WATER?”. Please also include the number of voting adults in your household. If each adult is voting differently that must be indicated or it will be assumed each is voting the same. Residents may also “vote” by calling Ida Grove City Hall at 712-364-2428 – (City of Ida Grove account number will be used for verification purposes). The City of Ida Grove thanks you for your participation in this survey so that we may better serve the community.

Ordinance To Go Into Full Effect

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Ida Grove has received an abundance of snow the past few weeks and we appreciate all snow removal efforts thus far. Per Ida Grove City Code 12.10.090 it is the responsibility of the abutting property owner of any sidewalk to remove snow, ice and any other accumulations within 24 hours or the property owner may be subject to a $25 (or higher) fee. Due to the extreme severity of the February 25th storm, the City has purposefully not issued citations in an effort to allow citizens ample time to clear sidewalks. On Monday, March 4th, a full week after the storm, the provisions set forth in the ordinance will go into full effect. Please be advised to have sidewalks clear by this day or face civil penalty.

See full ordinance below: 

 

Per Ida Grove City Code 12.10.090: REMOVAL OF SNOW, ICE AND ACCUMULATION

(1) It shall be the responsibility of the abutting property owners to remove snow, ice and accumulations promptly from sidewalks. If a property owner does not remove snow, ice or accumulations within 24 hours, the city may do so and assess the costs against the property owner for collection in the same manner as a property tax.

(2) Any violation of subsection (1) of this section by a property owner or tenant is a municipal infraction, subjecting the property owner and/or tenant to a civil penalty of $25.00. A second violation by the same property owner or tenant in the same fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th) shall be subject to a municipal infraction of $50.00, with the cost increasing by $25.00 for each subsequent infraction in the same fiscal year, up to a maximum of $500.00 for each infraction. Each day the snow, ice or accumulations are not removed is a separate municipal infraction

City Council Meets Tonight

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Council Meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month (except Holidays) beginning at 6 p.m. Meetings take place in the Council Chambers at Ida Grove City Hall. The public is invited and encouraged to attend City Council Meetings, and participate in their local Government. Any citizen can address the Council in reference to any item on the agenda, or during the “Appearances” portion of the meeting. Community input, insight and ideas help the City Council make the vital decisions of our community. Together, we can make Ida Grove the best it can be for the future of your family and ours. For additional information or questions, you may contact us via Facebook, by email at [email protected], U.S. Postal Service at P.O. Box 236 or call the City Clerk’s Office at 712-364-2428.

COMMUNITY INPUT REQUESTED

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COMMUNITY INPUT REQUESTED: The City Council is requesting community input at or before their upcoming meeting to be held Monday February 4th at 6pm. The City has received a proposal to have Godbersen-Smith make needed repairs and replacement to sections of the City’s recreational trail system in exchange for a piece of land from the City Park to be used for GEC. The piece of land that GEC would acquire from the City is approximately .4 – .6 acres and would be used to help expand their current shop building. The approximate modifications Godbersen-Smith would make to the City’s trail system would total roughly $150,000 and repair approximately .62 miles of trail. The current trail is 4” thick concrete and would be replaced with 5” thick concrete for the sections being repaired. They would also address erosion issues and look at tiling the High School hill. The council would like to give the public an opportunity to voice their opinion before making their final decision. If you have an opinion on the matter but are unable to attend, please feel free to call City Hall at 712-364-2428, email [email protected] or message us on Facebook!

Senator Joni Ernst Visits Ida Grove’s Midwest Industries

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Ida Grove was pleased to have Senator Joni Ernst visit Midwest Industries Tuesday January 22, 2019. Midwest Staff, including Ida Grove Mayor Devlun Whiteing, are pictured here with Ernst, touring the facility. Ida Grove is proud to be the home of Midwest Industries and looks forward to more great things to come from this top-notch organization. 

 

 


 

City Council Meets Tonight

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Council Meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month (except Holidays) beginning at 6 p.m. Meetings take place in the Council Chambers at Ida Grove City Hall. The public is invited and encouraged to attend City Council Meetings, and participate in their local Government. Any citizen can address the Council in reference to any item on the agenda, or during the “Appearances” portion of the meeting. Community input, insight and ideas help the City Council make the vital decisions of our community. Together, we can make Ida Grove the best it can be for the future of your family and ours. For additional information or questions, you may contact us via Facebook, by email at [email protected], U.S. Postal Service at P.O. Box 236 or call the City Clerk’s Office at 712-364-2428.

WANTED: Heritage Days Committee Members

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The City is looking for new members to join the Heritage Days Team! We have scheduled an informal public meeting to be held on Tuesday January 15th at 6 pm in the Council Chambers. This will be a time to ask questions, form committees, brainstorm, make suggestions and more. We need many volunteers to work together to make 2019’s Heritage Days Celebration the best yet!!