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)!
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 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!!
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
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 .
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
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!
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!!!
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.
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!!
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 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.
The City Council, Mayor and City Staff would like to invite the public to attend an informational Community Meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Whiteing will go over a power point presentation of the draft plans for the City Hall Renovation and accept any suggestions, comments or input from the community on the upcoming project.
We are still looking for the owner of this sweet dog. If you have any information to assist us in getting this dog returned to its home, please call City Hall at 712-364-2428
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.
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
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!
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.
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!!
St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove and LifeServe Blood Center partner together every other month to put on a community blood drive in order to save local lives in our community. LifeServe Blood Center is the local provider of blood and blood products to Horn Memorial Hospital and several other surrounding hospitals. They rely on volunteer blood donors to keep the blood supply stead for local patients. The drive is open to the public, and you can walk in the day of or schedule an appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org.
Upcoming Drives
All drives occur at St. Paul Lutheran Church on 100 7th St.
December 5th 2018, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
February 6th 2019, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
April 3rd 2019, 10 :30 am – 4:30 pm
June 5th 2019, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
August 7th 2019, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
October 2nd 2019, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
December 4th 2019, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
On Thursday, November 15th at 6:30pm, the Ida Grove Library will host a guided exhibit of the photography of local photographer Don Poggensee. The exhibit, guided by Don, will showcase a variety of photographs taken throughout his career and will feature photographs of the Amish, wildlife, nature, star trails, northern lights and other special images. The guided exhibit will be held in the Heritage Room of the Ida Grove Library, coffee and cookies will be served.
Here at the City of Ida Grove we strive to provide our community with quality service and amenities. Please let us know your thoughts and opinions on our outdoor pool by taking part in a brief, anonymous survey found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCM62XJ . We want to provide the best experience possible to all of our pool-goers so your input is much appreciated. Thank you for your time.
The Ida Grove Library is set to host the University of Iowa’s Mobile Museum on Monday, September 24th from 10:30am – 4pm. The Mobile Museum will feature three physical exhibits for visitors to enjoy. The three featured exhibits are:
Discover, Develop, Deploy
This exhibit highlights work on nutrition, hearing loss, and supporting healthy families. From printing devices that help the hearing-impaired to creating eyeglasses and beyond, this partnership shows that translational science is only limited by your imagination!
A Matter of Scales: Pangolins in Peril
Pangolins are amazing scale-covered mammals from Africa and Asia. Unfortunately they are critically endangered because of illegal hunting and trade. Pangolins aren’t the only animals in trouble. There are more than 25 endangered species right here in Iowa. Learn about some of the simple steps everyone can take to help.
Wild Iowa: Awareness, Appreciation, and Action
Wild Iowa highlights UI Recreational Services’ outdoors programs including the Iowa Raptor Project, School of the Wild, and Wildlife Camps. Iowa is arguably one of the least “wild” states due to the loss of native habitats, but the UI’s outdoors programs work to awaken Iowans to the importance of our native habitats through research, educational programs, and the savanna restoration project.
The Mobile Museum also includes two interactive digital touchscreens let visitors learn about research and creative activity happening in a variety of UI units.
Make sure to stop by to see what’s happening at the University of Iowa and some of the great projects they have going on!
(source: https://discover.research.uiowa.edu/mobile-museum)
Heritage Days 2018 kicks of Thursday!!
At just five years old, little Mia Mason is already accomplishing big things. Mia, the daughter of Tony and Renee Mason, recently held her very own lemonade stand during the Ida Grove City Wide Garage Sale weekend in an effort to raise money for the Ida Grove King Theater Project. Mia operated her stand Friday afternoon and evening, and again Saturday. Her stand, featuring both lemonade and cookies, brought in approximately $300 which the preschooler happily handed over for the renovation project efforts. (pictured here: Mayor Devlun Whiteing, Mia Mason and Theater Board member Doug Clough)
Relay Iowa, the world’s longest relay run of 339 miles, will be making its way through Ida Grove this year! This year marks the 9th year for Relay Iowa; you can expect to see runner’s coming through Ida Grove on Friday, June 8, 2018. The PEO group will be grilling pork burgers and bratwurst at Food Pride from 11am to 1pm.
For more information on Relay Iowa, you can visit RelayIA.org
Are you signed up for the Summer Library Program? We are currently accepting registrations and encourage all children to attend, we have some great programs lined up for this summer and can’t wait to see all of our summer readers!
The children’s summer library program will kick off on Tuesday, June 12 and includes brand new presenters along with a few seasoned veterans from previous years. Registration for the children’s summer program is now open and all children are welcome! The children’s schedule of events is as follows, all programs begin at 10:30am:
Tuesday June 12 – Fonziba Drums
Tuesday June 19 – Darrin Crow, Storyteller
Tuesday June 26 – Aspen Black, the Singing Cowgirl
Tuesday July 3 – Craft & Movie Day (Rock Dogs – PG)
Tuesday July 10 – Lisa Laird & Pockets Full of Fun Party and Picnic
We will also host a weekly Friday Morning Movie Matinee from June 8th through July 27th. Every Friday morning at 10:15am we will be showing a great family movie, and most are suitable for all ages. Make sure to stop down to pick up the summer schedule and get registered for these free programs. All programs are open to children of all ages and abilities, we welcome you to stop down and join in the summer fun!
The teen summer library program will welcome back Maker Camp. Maker Camp will run from June 28th – July 19th. Programs will be held each Thursday starting at 10:30am. All teens ages 11 and up are welcome to register for the program. Each week will bring new projects to make and ideas to explore! Registration for Maker Camp opens on June 1st.
The adult summer library program starts on June 1st, and this year we will host a special “Books to Movies” series! The “Books to Movies” series will feature a weekly movie at the library. This series kicks off on June 4th and runs through July 30th, movies will be shown every Monday starting at 1pm. We have a great movie line up and hope you will join us! Schedules for adult summer programs are now available and registration is open.
We encourage all of you to stop down and see what the library can offer you, both during the summer months, and throughout the year. Another great way to find out what’s going on at the library is through our website (www.idagrove.lib.ia.us), the library’s Facebook page, and the city’s website (www.idagroveia.com). Of course you can always give us a call for more information as well!
Library hours are: Monday 10-6, Tuesday 11-5, Wednesday 12-5, Thursday 12-7, Friday 10-7, and Saturday 9-2. Please stop by and see us or give us a call at 364-2306 for more details on the services we provide or with any questions you may have. We hope to see you soon at the library! Happy Reading!
Library users in 16 cities and towns statewide will soon have the option to take advantage of an extraordinary new program, the Iowa Libraries AdventurePass.
As a partner of the Iowa Libraries AdventurePass program, the Ida Grove Library will offer all cardholders the option to check out a free family pass to participating museums and attractions in the State of Iowa, starting on May 7, 2018.
With the AdventurePass program, cardholders will have access to passes for the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens, Des Moines Blank Park Zoo, and Sioux City’s LaunchPAD Children’s Museum. Some restrictions do apply, so please check with the library for program rules.
“The library board and staff at the Ida Grove Library are very excited to bring this big city amenity to our small hometown library” said IG Library Director Angela Scales. “The AdventurePass is a fantastic opportunity for all adult cardholders at the Ida Grove Public Library, and will provide free access to great destinations in the State of Iowa.”
For more information on the program or for instructions on how to reserve passes, please contact the Ida Grove Library staff at 712-364-2306 or email [email protected]
Excitement abounds!! City crew rescues a large snapping turtle within city limits today. Take a look at this monster sized snapper!
The Princess Theatre was Built in 1914 for silent films. In 1917, the theater was bought by Frank King and brought into the sound era in 1921. In 1940, Milton Mansfield bought the theater, adding a marquee. In 1954, Bob Fridley bought the theater, adding an indoor wall waterfall, floating stair case, and changed the seating arrangement. In 1982, Fred Saunders bought the theater, issuing in the VCR tape rental era. In 2010, the building fell into disrepair and the analog equipment was no longer relevant. The City of Ida Grove acquired it in 2015, selling it to the Ida Grove Foundation for a period of reconstruction. The Ida Grove Foundation Board is currently reconstructing the inside with private donations, community fundraising, and grants. The Foundation has raised $400,000 and seeks to raise an additional $150,000; they have begun reconstruction and hope to be showing movies by the end of summer 2018.
The theater will primarily show movies; however, there will be a motorized screen which will allow them to utilize a large enough stage for public speakers and one-act plays.
Want to donate?
To contribute to our count’s King Theatre renovation, please contact Ida Grove City Hall at 712.364.2428. You may also contact Ida Grove Foundation’s President Douglas Clough at [email protected].
See our progress at our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/longlivetheking51445/
Ida Grove Foundation Board [formerly King Theatre Renovation Board]:
President, Douglas Clough
Vice President, Ryan Goodman
Treasurer, Cheryl Gosch
Secretary, Beth Wolterman
Members:
Owen Bolte
John Brinkman
Paul Cates
Kim Claussen
Dan Gosch
Sandy Ullrich
Traci VanHouten
Due to the weather, the Ida Grove Recreation Center will be closed today.
The Ida Grove City Hall and City Council would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our local Law Enforcement, EMT’s, and Firefighters for the services they provide to our community. Thank you all for protecting and serving our community, keeping it safe, and THANK YOU for volunteering your time and caring hearts to our community. On behalf of the city, we appreciate each and every one of you.
Tech support scams.
Here’s how they work:
You get a call from someone who says he/she’s a computer technician. He/She might say they’re from a well known company like Microsoft, or maybe your internet service provider. They tell you there are viruses or other malware on your computer. They say you’ll have to give them remote access to your computer or buy new software to fix it.
But is the caller who they say they are? Judging by the complaints to the Federal Trade Commission, no. These scammers might want to sell you useless services, steal your credit card number, or get access to your computer to install malware, which could then let them see everything on your computer.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Hang up. Never give control of your computer or your credit card information to someone who calls you out of the blue.
2. Pass this information onto a friend. You might know these calls are fakes, but chances are you know someone who doesn’t.
Want to know more? Sign up for scam alerts at ftc.gov/subscribe
If you spot a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or TTY 1-866-653-4261
Go online: ftc.gov/complaint
Your complaint can help protect other people. By filing a complaint, you can help the FTC’s investigators identify the imposters and stop them before they can get someone’s hard-earned money. It really makes a difference.
The Ida Grove Library has joined more than 1,000 libraries across the country to participate in the celestial event of the century, the August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse. During this national event, the shadow of the moon will sweep across the United States in a narrow band from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in a spectacle that hasn’t occurred in decades. In fact, the last total solar eclipse for the United States was nearly 40 years ago. The rest of the U.S. and North America will see a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering up only part of the Sun. It is aptly named the Great American Eclipse.
This will be a great opportunity for our community to celebrate science with fun, hands-on activities, culminating in the eclipse event on August 21, 2017.
On Monday August 21st, the library will host an Eclipse viewing party from 11am-1pm. During the viewing party, the library will be distributing solar viewing glasses along with information on safe eclipse viewing. The Grout Museum will be in attendance during the viewing with a special hands-on “Outreach to Space” exhibit for all ages, and there will be a live stream of the total eclipse from NASA. NASA’s live stream will include a wealth of images captured before, during, and after the eclipse by 11 spacecraft, at least three NASA aircraft, more than 50 high-altitude balloons, and the astronauts aboard the International Space Station – each offering a unique vantage point for the celestial event.
The Ida Grove Library will also offer a range of public programs during the week of August 14, 2017 to bring the excitement of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to children, teens and adults. Our schedule of events includes daily craft activities (while supplies last) as well as two special movie viewings. Scheduled activities the week of August 14th include:
Monday August 14th 1-2pm: Sun Catchers
Tuesday August 15th 1-2pm: Solar Art Prints
Wednesday August 16th 1-3pm: Eclipse Coloring
Thursday August 17th 1-2pm: Sundials
Thursday August 17th @ 5:30pm: Movie Night showing Apollo 13
Friday August 18th @10:30am: Children’s movie showing E.T. & a special solar s’mores making session after the movie
“We are excited that the Ida Grove Library will have the opportunity to participate in this national program,” said Angela Scales, library director. “We have received tremendous support from the Shopko Foundation to help our community prepare for and enjoy this amazing astronomy event. We think people of all ages and backgrounds will find the solar eclipse to be an experience they will remember the rest of their lives.” More information on the scheduled events and safe eclipse viewing can be found on the library’s website at www.idagrove.lib.ia.us.
Ida Grove Library is located at 100 East 2nd Street. All of the scheduled eclipse programs are free and open to the public during library hours. Solar viewing glasses will be available free of charge as well during the eclipse viewing event.
Ida Grove Library has joined the STAR Library Education Network (STAR_Net) and its NASA@ My Library initiative, which is providing resources and STEM activities to libraries across the nation related to the eclipse. Partners include NASA, the American Library Association, and many other organizations. This project was made possible through support from the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Google, and the National Science Foundation.
Eggs from Lori will be at the Ida Area Farmer’s Market
AFTER PROM will be grilling hamburgers, pork burgers or hot dogs this Thursday, July 13th. Included is a bag of chips and a drink. Don’t have a garden? Head to the Ida Area Farmers’ Market and let our four produce vendors give you fresh produce (not shipped from miles away). Look for blueberries, carrots, green beans, melons, onions, peas, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet corn, squash, and tomatoes. Some will be ready!! And don’t forget home decor, jewelry, and more from Genevieve, fresh flowers from Faith, wine from the Sinnotts, and eggs from Lori. So enjoy an evening at the park with great food, friends, and products from the market. 4:30 to 6:30 PM on Thursday in downtown Ida Grove.
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.
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.
After nearly 31 years as a city staffer, Mark Nielsen has retired. From left to right is daughter, Heather Nielsen; future son-in-law Jake Apple; wife Lanette Nielsen; Mark Nielsen; and Mayor Devlun Whiteing.
In our modern world, we thank our lucky stars that there are people like Mark Nielsen. He has worked for the City of Ida Grove for nearly 31 years before retiring today. Nielsen has his license to manage a municipal sewer system. Nielsen has been through re-licensure 15 times. Nielsen came on board November 17th, 1986. Ivan O’Tool was mayor and the council included Earl Pfleeger, Herman Jensen, Lowell Bloenker, Earl Muckey, and Ronnie Powell.
Currently, there are four people on the city maintenance crew: 30-year water works manager, Lon Schluter; 24-year roads manager Gerrod Sholty; 5-year parks manager, Bob Lorenzen, parks manager; and 15-year Kris Taylor, who assists in areas as needed. The city is currently viewing applicants to fill the big hole left by veteran Nielsen.
“Jerry Frahm was the foreman at the time who hired me,” said Nielsen. “I started off with helping with water chores getting my water license in 1987 and then my sewer license in August of 1988.”
Nielsen has been no stranger to trials in his field. “In the sewage processor, the plastic sheets to separate the different forms of sewage will sometimes come off,” noted Nielsen. “Those sheets are used for rotating biological contact. When those sheets come off, they are full of slime. You have to handle them with vice-grips to control them.”
Nielsen has had the duty a time or two of turning off the water of a customer who ignored a nonpayment disconnect notice. “I knocked on the door to inform the resident that she could pay her bill to continue service,” stated Nielsen. “She didn’t answer the door, so I shut off the water. I was about a block away when I heard someone yelling for me. She was on her doorsteps, suds running from her hair to her face, waving her payment at me and hoping I’d turn the water back on.”
Overall, Nielsen – who has worked with four city clerks and five different mayors – agree that it’s been a memorable 30-plus years. “We have a good crew,” said Nielsen of the self-managed team. “Sure, we get complaints now and again, but one compliment wipes out a dozen complaints.”
All this for your support and a $20 donation – LONG LIVE THE KING!
King Theatre Board members will be under the King Marquee from 12:30 p.m. until Heritage Days Parade traffic subsides with this fantastic offer. A $20 donation gets you a shirt and your chance to display your love for this endeavor! Thanks for supporting OUR King Theatre!
Our Heritage Days schedule for Friday, June 23rd, Saturday, June 24th, and Sunday, June 25th. Enjoy!
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.
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.
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.
Like Twain, we are dog lovers in Ida Grove. We want you to keep your dog safe by keeping him or her from running at large If you love your dog as much as we think you do, license him or her with our city. If your animal is picked up, we can easily track down the owner if licensed.
Fines are assessed for dogs at large. The first fine is $20.00 with a daily boarding fee added. The second offense doubles and the third offense triples.
Be considerate of your neighbors as well; man’s best friend is known to poop on walks, so bring a scoop and a bag to clean up the ‘business.’
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
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!
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.
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!
Spring is in the air, Ida Grovians, and that means that yards are green and growing fast (especially with recent rains). Keeping a lawn properly mown not only makes for great looking properties and neighborhoods, it keeps the pollen-causing allergies at bay as well! All properties, whether vacated or non-vacated, are required to be mowed any time the vegetation reaches a height of more than 12 inches in the months of April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Any property which is not mowed after the vegetation reaches a height of 12 inches may be mowed by the City or their agents and a charge of $75 per hour for such mowing, plus a surcharge of $100, will be charged to the property owner (that’s about the same amount most residents spend for mower gas in an entire summer!). You may request a full copy of Ordinance Number 528 by calling City Hall at 364-2428.
Longlines Announces Service Interuption
Longlines Internet has a scheduled cable outage beginning tonight at midnight through 3 am. Longlines will issue any updates to this outage that may occur. Longlines appreciates your understanding of this important time to upgrade their system.
