Service Line Inventory Letters
EPA/Iowa DNR: Lead Service Line Inventory Letters
The City of Ida Grove sent letters out last week to inform some of our residents about the service line material at their home. This letter was not a reflection on the Ida Grove water quality but is an effort to inform the public that the water service line that runs from the public water main to their home may have at one time contained lead. Lead water lines were used in older houses but many of those lines have been replaced.
In an effort to update water service line infrastructure throughout the country, the DNR and EPA are requiring communities to conduct a review of their current records. Our service records are based on notes from previous operators over many decades and may no longer be accurate. If homeowners have updated water line material to their home, please let us know by contacting City Hall at (712)364-2428 or email Luke at [email protected]. We are required to submit and maintain a current record on the state’s portal system. We must also notify any homeowners if we are not certain that the waterline feeding their house is or ever was lead or downstream of plumbing containing lead.
The letters that were sent out last week were to update the residents of our findings. Over the next 3 years the city will be updating records by contacting residents and performing onsite confirmation of the service line material. In some cases, the service line will have to be exposed through excavation at the property. If the line is confirmed to be made of lead, then the line will be replaced.
City Amenities Closed For Season
With the colder temperatures approaching, please note the following closures for City amenities.
City Park: Restrooms are closed.
Kiwanis Ballfields: Restrooms and drinking fountains are closed.
Public Works will reopen these in the spring of 2025.
10-28-24 Construction
On Monday, October 28, 2024, the IA DOT will be closing a portion of the outside lane at the intersection of Hwy 175 and Forrest Avenue. Please use caution in this area.
Public Input Questionnaire 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan
PAPER COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL.
Ida Grove Library Fall Newsletter
Greetings from the Ida Grove Library! As we quickly approach the end of 2024, we’re excited to share some upcoming events and updates.
Although it may seem early to think about year-end festivities, we’re eagerly preparing! Our annual Holiday Raffle kicks off on November 11th, with all proceeds supporting essential technology updates at the library. This includes enhanced wiring for internet access, computer upgrades, along with new hardware, ensuring our community has access to valuable online resources and services.
If you’d like to contribute items for the raffle, please drop them off at the library. Raffle tickets will be available starting November 11th for $1 each or 6 for $5. Raffle winners will be drawn on December 16th. The community support we’ve received for our Holiday Open House and raffle has made a tremendous difference over the years, allowing us to enhance our facilities and programs.
Mark your calendars for the Holiday Open House on December 7, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 PM. The Library Board of Trustees and staff will serve refreshments, and Santa will make a special visit for the kids! Don’t miss our bake and book sale, and be sure to check out the fantastic raffle items on display. If you’re a talented baker, we would love your contributions for the bake sale! Donations can be brought in on Friday, December 6th, or Saturday morning, December 7th.
And, don’t forget about our regular programs! Here’s a quick rundown of what’s on our calendar for the remainder of the year:
October 25: No School Movie Day with Snacks @ 1 PM
Enjoy a family-friendly movie and some tasty treats!
November 1: Preschool Storytime @ 10:30 AM
Join us for delightful stories and crafts for our youngest readers.
November 6: After School STEM @ 1:30 PM
Learn about electricity and magnetism by building your own electromagnet crane!
November 11: Holiday Raffle Begins
Don’t miss your chance to win some fantastic prizes while supporting the library!
November 15: Preschool Storytime @ 10:30 AM
Another chance for little ones to enjoy stories and crafts.
November 16: Makers & Mocktails @ 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Get creative with fun crafts and refreshments!
November 20: After School STEM @ 1:30 PM
Explore air pressure and shoot for the moon as you engineer a straw rocket and launchpad!
November 27: No School Movie Day with Snacks @ 1 PM
Another fun-filled movie day to kick off the holiday season!
December 6: Preschool Storytime @ 10:30 AM
More storytelling fun for our preschoolers!
December 7: Holiday Open House, Bake & Book Sale from 10 AM – 12 PM
Enjoy refreshments, a visit with Santa, and browse our bake and book sale!
For any questions, please contact library staff at 712-364-2306. We look forward to seeing you at your library soon!
Explore Iowa’s Amazing Barn Quilts
Lake City author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby will visit the Ida Grove Public Library on October 22nd to share her expertise on Iowa. You’re invited to attend her 5:30 p.m. program “Explore Iowa’s Amazing Barn Quilts”. This event is free and open to the public.
During her fun, interactive program, Maulsby serves up fascinating tidbits about how the barn quilt movement started, how it spread to Iowa and how these distinctive quilts aren’t just for barns anymore. “‘Iowa’s Amazing Barn Quilts’ might inspire you to do a little gravel travel to see these rustic works of art for yourself,” Maulsby said.
Following the program, Maulsby will sell and sign copies of her non-fiction, illustrated Iowa history books, including Iowa Agriculture: A History of Farming, Family and Food; A Culinary History of Iowa; Calhoun County; Dallas County; Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes; Madison County; and The Lincoln Highway in Iowa: A History.
This presentation made possible by a grant award to the Ida Grove Public Library from Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society, Inc.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about Iowa’s fascinating barn quilts.
CY-HAWK GAME 2024
BIG “G” LITTLE “O”
G0! G0! G0!
SHARE ON OUR FACEBOOK POST WHICH TEAM YOU WILL BE ROOTIN’ FOR
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH!
City Hall Closed 9-2-2024
City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Partial Trail Closure
A portion of the Pleasant Valley Trail will be closed for pipe replacement work that has begun on the western side of town. We anticipate this closure to last over the next 2 – 4 weeks. The pedestrian/bike bridge will still be accessible to cross. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to get this opened back up as soon as possible. The pink highlighted portion of the map below is where the closure of the trail will approximately be located.
Congratulations On Your Retirement!
On August 18, 2024, the Ida Grove Fire Department held a celebration of retirement for 3 of their long term firefighters. Don Wunschel 50 years, Terry Lovett 47.5 years, and Rick Wonder 34 years. Thank you for all of your dedication and service! Congratulations on your retirement!
Pictured from left to right are as follows: Scott Vandusen-Fire Chief, Terry Lovett, Rick Wonder, Don Wunschel, and Lonnie Newhall from the Iowa Firefighters Association.
Have You Seen This Dog?
****UPDATE****
ROSIE HAS BEEN FOUND
Rosie, who is blind and deaf, wandered away from her property on Sunday night around 5pm. Rosie is wearing a collar with her owners information. If you know her whereabouts, please contact Jodi Miller.
***UPDATE**** Lost Dog 8/15/2024
****THE OWNER HAS BEEN LOCATED.***
The City of Ida Grove has picked up a dog that was running at large near the 7th Street Bridge. This is a female and appears to be a Lab/Great Dane mix. If you have any information on this friendly gal, please contact City Hall at 364-2428 during normal business hours. If outside of business hours, please contact the Ida County Sheriffs Office at 364-3146.
FY25 Street Repair Bids
The City of Ida Grove invites you to bid on FY25 street repairs. Bid sheets may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, on our website at www.idagroveia.com or by email request at [email protected]
Click Here For 2024 Concrete Patching Bid Form
Click Here For 2024 Asphalt & Crack Seal Bid Forms
Each bid must be in ink or typed and mailed or delivered sealed to the following address no later than July 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm:
City of Ida Grove
Attn: Street Repair Bid
403 3rd Street
PO Box 236
Ida Grove, IA 51445
Bids will be opened during the July 15, 2024 City Council meeting at 5:30 pm.
The successful bidder must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance.
Any questions can be directed to Gerrod Sholty, City Crew Foreman/Street Superintendent, by calling the Maintenance Shop at 712-364-2989.
The City of Ida Grove has the right to refuse any, any part, or all bids.
Heather Sweeden, City Clerk
Closed 7/4/2024
City Hall will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in observance of Independence Day. We will resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5th.
Have a safe and happy 4th!
Looking For A Home
On the evening of June 20, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office picked up a dog running at large. This animal has not been claimed as of today, June 27, 2024. The city is allowed to keep animals for a maximum of seven days. The city has made numerous attempts to contact animal shelters and find a new home for this handsome boy to no avail. This is our final effort to find a wonderful home for this guy. Please share and help us save this dog!
Heritage Days Kick Off 2024
Heritage Days officially begins today, June 27, 2024! The afternoon looks to be amazing, so come on down to Godbersen Park and check out all of the local Farmer’s Market vendors, AND to take a night off from cooking! The Pork Producers will be grilling burgers and hot dogs with the City of Ida Grove serving!
Movies @ The King: Read, Renew, Repeat
The Ida Grove Library is thrilled to announce “Movies @ The King: Read, Renew, Repeat” as a special addition to the library’s summer programs. This 5-week summer movie series, hosted at The King Theater, is sure to captivate audiences of all ages! Expect fun, animated films with themes tied to conservation, personal growth, and resilience.
Movies @ The King starts on Tuesday, June 11. Movies will be shown at 6pm each Tuesday evening through July 9. Movie admission is free and concessions will be available for purchase.
Join us for literacy, community, and cinematic magic!
For more details, visit the Ida Grove Library website @ www.idagrove.lib.ia.us/services/programs or check the calendar of events for titles!
Movies @ The King: Read, Renew, Repeat is sponsored by the Ida Grove Public Library through generous donations to the library’s summer reading program.
Still Looking For Owner 5/29/2024 Lost Dog
On 5/24/2024, the City of Ida Grove picked up a lost dog along First Street. We are trying to locate the owner of this sweet animal. If you have any information please contact City Hall at 364-2428.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
**UPDATE*** Lost Dog
**UPDATE** OWNER HAS BEEN LOCATED.
This dog was found along Washington Street. Please help us find her owner. If you have any information, please contact City Hall at 364-2428 during normal business hours. If outside of normal business hours, please contact the Ida County Sheriff’s Office at 364-3146.
2024 Outdoor Pool Season
THERE’S NO LIFE LIKE POOL LIFE! 
Tomorrow, May 24th, 2024, the outdoor pool will officially be open for the season!
Hours of operation are as follows:
Monday – Saturday 1PM – 5PM and 7PM – 9PM
Sunday 1PM – 6PM
Lap Swim/Water Walking Monday – Friday 12pm – 1pm & 6pm – 7pm
Shout out to the Ida Grove Public Works Department for their hard work in getting the pool ready for the season!
Click Here To View Outdoor Pool Admission Fees
City Hall Closed Memorial Day
City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 in observance of Memorial Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Unauthorized Motor Vehicles Prohibited
9.30.110 & 12.60.010 – 12.60.080 The City of Ida Grove would like to remind residents that motor vehicles are not allowed anywhere along the flood control or Pleasant Valley Trail. These motor vehicles include, but are not limited to; mopeds, dirt bikes, golf carts, ATV’s, and UTV’s. It shall be unlawful for anyone to operate these unauthorized vehicles in the aforementioned areas. We ask that you contact local law enforcement if such activities are taking place. Violations could result in fines, penalties, and/or other legal action.
Boil Advisory No Longer Required 5-10-24
We have just been notified that the second round of water samples have passed all requirements. The boil advisory has been lifted. You do not need to boil the water before consuming. Thank you for your patience.
Boil Advisory Still In Effect
The precautionary boil advisory will remain in effect until at least Friday, May 10th due to DNR requirements. We will update the public as soon as the advisory may be lifted. As a reminder, it is safe to use the water, but is advised to boil prior to consumption.
Updated Information 5-8-24
We are expecting water pressure to return to normal early this afternoon. With that, we are expecting to see sediment and discolored water in the lines. Flush your outside spigot or run water in your bathtub until clear. We are unsure what the timeline will be for the boil advisory due to test results from the lab.
Please subscribe to our website or follow our Facebook page for updated information.
To subscribe to our website, please go to www.idagroveia.com, scroll to bottom of page, enter your email and click subscribe.
Thank You!
The Battle Creek Fire Department have graciously donated water they had on hand from The National Volunteer Fire Council & Anheuser-Busch. If anyone is in need of drinking water please come to City Hall. Thank You Battle Creek Fire Department we sincerely appreciate your generosity during this unforeseen circumstance.
Boil Advisory 5-8-24
Power outage in town and the water tower empty for painting has caused depressurization in the system and requires the city to issue a boil advisory once the water is back on. The water may be used, but not consumed prior to boiling. If you could please pass this info to your employers and fellow businesses, it would be greatly appreciated. Please watch the city’s website and Facebook page for further updates.
Pleasant Valley Trail Open May 1st
The Pleasant Valley Trail will officially be open for the season as of May 1st.
Lost Dog 4-22-24
The City of Ida Grove has picked up a male dog found near Brownies. If anyone has any information on this dog’s owner, please contact City Hall at 364-2428. If outside of normal business hours (8 am to 4 pm), contact the Ida County Sheriffs Office at 364-3146.
City Hall Ribbon Cutting & Open House
Join us on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 3:00pm for the newly constructed City Hall ribbon cutting!
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, there will be an open house until 5:00pm for the public.
We look forward to seeing you!
Lead & Copper Sampling
Last year a new well was added to the water system. The City of Ida Grove is required to increase monitoring of Lead and Copper to assess how the new water may affect the metal pipes in the distribution system. To help locate qualifying sites to monitor the water we have provided a short survey to see if your home meets the DNR’s monitoring criteria. These sample sites are needed this month because samples are due back to the DNR in June and a follow up round of samples are due by December.
Please fill out the form even if your home doesn’t qualify. The EPA has implemented new Lead service line inventory monitoring. This form will also help the city update our records for the lead service inventory in October.
The sampling process is simple for the lead and copper testing. A labeled bottle will be filled with a cold-water kitchen or bath faucet in the morning after at least 6 hours without flow. This sample would be picked up by city staff that morning.
FY25 Proposed Budget Adoption
The City Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed FY25 budget at City Hall, located at 403 3rd Street, at 5:30 p.m. on April 15, 2024.
Pickleball/Tennis Court Nets
The nets at City Park are being set up. Warm weather and sunshine will be heading this way, it’s a great time to get out there and play!
Siren Work North End Of Town
The annual statewide tornado drill took place today, March 27, 2024, at 10 am. While the drill was taking place, it came to the attention of our staff that the siren on the north end of town (near the Catholic Church) did not work properly. City crews are working on this, and advised not be alarmed if you hear the siren go off today and/or tomorrow. We appreciate your patience while we work to correct this issue.
2024 Burning Regulations
City of Ida Grove Burning Regulations
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 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. from April 1 to November 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.
2024 Mowing Notice
Mowing Notice
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.
2024 Grass Clipping Notice
Grass Clipping Notice
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.
2024 Tree Trimming Notice
Tree Trimming Notice
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.
Closing Early 3-29-24
In respects to Good Friday, our office will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 29th. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, April 1st. We wish everyone a safe and Happy Easter!
2024 Permit Notice
Permit Notice
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.
Water Discoloration
Many of the changes in the water you’re seeing lately are due to introducing the new well into the City water system. As with any change, it takes some time to work out all the kinks. We are aware of and working to address the color in the water. The discoloration is produced by iron presence in the water being oxidized by the chlorine that is used to disinfect the system. The colored water is not harmful for human consumption and will settle out. The well output has been reduced from the new well to reduce the amount of iron moving in the system. This is similar to the effects of hydrant flushing.
We assure you regular tests are being performed and passed per Iowa DNR requirements.
2024 Compost & Brush Pile Notice
CITY MAINTAINED COMPOST AND BRUSH PILES
8.35.010 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 designated hours of operation.
8.35.020 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 six inches in diameter and eight feet in length.
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.
8.35.040 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.
403 3rd St., Ida Grove, Iowa 51445