City Clerk Heather Sweeden, has been awarded the title of Iowa Certified Municipal Finance Officer. She received this award at the IMFOA Conference in Des Moines on Thursday. This is a huge accomplishment and takes 5 years to complete. Congratulations Heather!
Third grade students from OABCIG visited the temporary City Hall on Friday. The students were able to speak to the Mayor, City Clerk, and two of the Council members and learn about local government. 
City Council has an opening for the Ward 3 position. City Council positions are vital to the operations of local government. If anyone is interested in this position, you are encouraged to contact City Hall at 364-2428.
Click Here to View Council Power and Duties
The portable pickleball nets are all set up at City Park! Thank you to the Godbersen Foundation for the donation of these nets!
Fight back against human trafficking. Learn what to look for and what to do when you see it. There will be a human trafficking forum on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 6:45 p.m. at the Cobblestone Inn, Holstein Iowa. Guest speakers include Sheriff Wade Harriman and Sister Shirley Fineran. This is free and open to the public. With parent approval, young people are encouraged to attend.
If you would like more information, please contact: [email protected]
On Monday, October 11, 2021, a gentleman from Iowa Public Television came to town to film a segment in Greetings from Iowa, which tells of peoples lifestyles, cultures, art, and diversities in the community. They filmed at the Ida Grove King Theatre, the Skate Palace, and the GOMACO Car Museum.
Click Here for Greetings from Iowa link
It has been brought to our attention that someone has lost a piece of artwork at our City Compost pile. If this piece of artwork happens to be yours, please come pick it up at the City Maintenance shop. We would like to see this get back to its rightful owner.
The playground equipment at City Park, or better known as “purple park”, continues to be off limits due to being damaged from a fallen tree. Immediately following the storm event, the cities insurance was contacted and we are waiting to hear back regarding equipment replacement. Please be patient, as we are just as anxious as you to get it open. Thank you again for your patience.
Just a friendly reminder to the citizens of Ida Grove, that it is your “doody” as a responsible pet owner to clean up after your animal. Please be kind and courteous to other citizens by cleaning up what your pet leaves behind.
Other than being unsightly and smelly, animal waste can be hazardous to small children playing in the community and to other animals. When walking your animal, please remember that it needs to be on a leash. Take a baggie along with you so when your animal does its “business”, it can be picked up immediately. Dispose of the baggies properly. By taking simple steps, we can help beautify our community.
Ida Grove does have city ordinances in place for such violations.
Final Reminder for City Council Opportunities!
Deadline to file forms is Thursday, September 16, 2021 by 5 p.m.
4 year terms for Mayor, Ward 2, and 1 At-Large
Forms can be picked up and filed at City Hall
SHOW US YOUR TEAM SPIRIT!
POST YOUR FAVORITE GAME DAY PICTURE OF WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE WIN ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!
The photo shown below is a perfect example of why there are rules and regulations for the city compost pile. This is an amenity offered to the citizens of Ida Grove, and if illegal deposits of trash and other prohibited debris continue to be dumped at this site, we will no longer have it open. The only items allowed to be dumped is yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, flowers, etc.. Please DO NOT deposit trash, plastic bags, building materials, or other containers into the compost pile. This area is under surveillance, and fines will be issued.
Thank you to those that do use the compost pile correctly.
Garbage Cans
Just a reminder when setting out garbage cans to please place them back 1-2 feet from the curb/street. Ida County Sanitation’s truck has the capability of extending the arm to reach garbage cans if they are set back a little further from the street. This will help prevent them from being struck by a vehicle or plow truck. The City and Ida County Sanitation are not responsible for damaged garbage cans.
Recycling Bins
Reminder when setting out recycling bins with the garbage cans, please do not set the bins too close together. Ida County Sanitation requests that when setting these out, to keep some space between the two, approximately 3-4 feet. This will help in preventing recycling bins from being tipped over when the garbage truck sets the cans back down.
The City has picked up a lost female black lab. If you have any information please contact City Hall at 364-2428 as soon as possible. 
Did you know the City of Ida Grove offers automatic payment withdrawal? This is a free, no hassle service which allows us to withdraw your utility payment from your checking account automatically on or about the 10th of each month.
Another great feature the city offers is email billing. Instead of waiting for your bill to come in the U.S. mail, receive a copy of your utility bill days sooner by having us email it to you.
You can sign up for one or both of these services by filling out the forms below and returning to City Hall.
Click Here for Email Billing Form
Click Here for Automatic Withdraw Form
August 13th is #CityHallSelfieDay! This is a worldwide celebration of local government employees and elected officials.
Head on down to the City Park and check out the newest additions! The community of Ida Grove is extremely grateful to the Godbersen Foundation for the donation of these amenities!
While we’re all very excited to get out and use the new courts at City Park, please refrain for the remainder of the day today and all day tomorrow to allow the coating to dry properly. The courts should be ready for full use on Wednesday, August 4th.
City Hall recently received a child’s jacket that was found from the events during Heritage Days. Please contact City Hall at 364-2428 to describe and claim this jacket.
The city compost and brush pile are special amenities to those within city limits of Ida Grove. Unfortunately, we have been seeing a lot of illegal dumping at these piles. There are rules and regulations to keep this open for the citizens of our community. If the piles continue to be filled with prohibited debris, the city will no longer be able to offer this to the community. We would like to continue to have this open for our residents, but we are asking you to help do your part and keep the compost and brush pile free and clear of any illegal deposits. Our compost and brush pile are under surveillance, and anyone violating the rules will be subject to a fine.
Click Here to View City Ordinance For Compost and Brush Pile
The Ida Grove Library will host author Cullen Vane on Thursday, August 5, 2021, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm in the Heritage Room at the library. Vane will provide a short presentation on his writings and experience as a missionary in Haiti, followed by a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for sale after the presentation.
A native of New York City, Cullen has lived on the East coast, the Midwest (Illinois and Wisconsin), and resides in California where he draws on the vast American landscape and personal experiences to write works of fiction that involve normal people in unusual circumstances. His novels and short story collections often have a quirkiness that his fans have come to enjoy, but always at the heart are core moral values and the constant reminder of what is most important in life, namely, the love of family. He does not limit himself to fiction and has written several sportsbooks, a book on parenting, three memoirs, several screenplays, a few plays, and even a rock opera.
In 2016, as he was approaching his sixtieth year, Cullen went to Haiti as a missionary for six months but stayed for three years. He has written seven books, including the acclaimed ‘An Unexpected Missionary,’ about his adopted little country.
Amazingly, Cullen has spent a total of four days in Iowa but has somehow managed to work the Hawkeye State, and Ida Grove in particular, into several of the 60 books he’s written. Although he has never stepped foot in Ida Grove and knows of it only through the magic of the internet, more than two decades ago he adopted it as his “go-to” town and it has become the primary setting in several of his stories. He comes to Ida Grove to see for himself what the town is and hopes that being here will allow him to continue writing about the town for years to come.
Cullen currently lives at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Roseville, CA, and his two sons, Tyler and Zachary, live nearby.
Please share with those on your friends list…
The Blocks for our Community have been established. There are 5 blocks. We have a volunteer for Block 4. We are in need of captains for Blocks 1, 2, 3, & 5. If you are willing to visit your neighbors and share information with them, please consider being a Block Captain. The map is attached for you to review. The next meeting will be held in the Heritage Room at the Ida Grove Public Library.
City Hall will be closed
Monday, July 5th
In observance of Independence Day.
We will resume normal business hours Tuesday, July 6th.
With the 4th of July only being a couple weeks away, we want to remind citizens of Ida Grove that certain fireworks are permitted only during the following times, and to please be cautious and courteous of neighboring property owners.
(1) From the Saturday before July 4th until the Sunday after July 4th.
(2) Between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. with the exception of July 4th or any Saturday within the permitted days, the hours are expanded to be between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
(3) Noon on December 31st until 1:00 a.m. on January 1st.
(4) The mayor, in consultation with the fire chief or any other persons, has the authority to suspend the use of fireworks during the above hours, when the mayor determines it is in the public interest to suspend the use of fireworks. A person shall not be convicted of a violation, for use during such suspension, unless it is proven that such person had actual knowledge of the suspension. Actual knowledge may be proven by testimony that the person was given a verbal warning. City Code 8.40.030
Heritage Days will officially kick off this Thursday, June 24th! Come on out to enjoy the events that are taking place for this years celebration!
Click here for the schedule of events
Three employees with Home Pride Contractors will be in the area. All paperwork has been filed and approved with City Hall.
The Ida Grove Library is pleased to announce two special events to add to this year’s Heritage Days festivities. First, stop by the city park for a FREE, fun, family event with the Iowa PBS STEAM trailer. All ages are invited to join us for exploration and play as we host the STEAM Trailer filled with activities centered around science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The Iowa PBS STEAM trailer will be located in the city park from 12 pm -4 pm on Saturday, June 26th.
Then, stop by the King Theater where we will be hosting special guest speaker, Dr. John Chase. Dr. Chase will share memories and stories from his book “You What!? Humorous stories, cautionary tales, and unexpected insights about a career in medicine”. Dr. Chase will speak at 3:30 pm and a book signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available to purchase at the event for $15 each.
We hope you’ll make time to join in these festivities and more to celebrate Ida Grove!
The City of Ida Grove has picked up a lost female blue heeler dog. If anyone has any information regarding her, please contact City Hall at 364-2428.
Good news! The dilapidated trailers located at the 700 Block of Elm Street are being removed this week! Please be cautious in that area while work is going on. 
The mask mandate has now been lifted effective today, 6/8/2021. Citizens and employees are no longer required to wear masks upon entry to a City building.
City Council meetings may now be attended either in person (temporary City Office located at 311 Barnes Street) or electronically via our GoToMeeting link.
You may join and participate in the electronic meeting via the following options:
https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofIdaGrove on your tablet, computer, smartphone or dial in at (872) 240-3212 using the access code: 240-180-549
However, please advise, that space is limited for attending in-person.
In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed Monday, May 31, 2021.
The office will be open on Tuesday, June 1st and will operate at normal business hours for the remainder of the week.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
The Pleasant Valley Trail repairs have been completed. The trail is now open for the public to use and enjoy.
The City of Ida Grove signs are officially up! We were awarded $9,000 from the Siouxland Community Foundation and also MidAmerican for $500.00. They look amazing! Be sure to check them out as you travel from the east and west! 
If you have been on the east or west side of town, you will notice that we have begun placing new welcome signs! Keep an eye out for the finished product!
Just a reminder, that the trailer bids are due at 2 p.m. today! Get your bids in!
On Monday, April 12, 2021, the Ida Grove Library Board of Trustees met in a regularly scheduled meeting to discuss modifying library operating hours to maintain a more consistent, easy to remember schedule for our community and patrons. The board voted, and unanimously approved to make a permanent change to library hours of operation.
New library hours are:
Monday – 10am – 6pm
Tuesday – 10am -5pm
Wednesday – 10am – 5pm
Thursday – 10am – 5pm
Friday – 10am – 6pm
Saturday – 10am -2pm
This change is effective April 15, 2021. While we continue to offer modified in-library services due to COVID-19, we are excited to offer an easy to remember schedule and a daily opening time of 10am Monday – Saturday! And, good news…this increases our weekly open hours from 40 to 41 hours per week. An extra hour to stop by and pick up something great to read :) We look forward to seeing you @ your library!
City of Ida Grove
Bid Request on Hay Cutting
Hay cutting on City of Ida Grove property is now open for bid. Areas for cutting are located at the Airport (20 acres), City Well site (2+ acres), and flood control areas (43 acres) for a total of 66 acres. Call City Hall, 364-2428, for information on hay location. All areas to be mowed twice. The second mowing is required even if no hay is made and must be completed by September 7, 2021. All bales must be removed after each cutting. Sealed bids are due on or before May 3, 2021 at 4:00 p.m., and can be mailed or delivered. Bids must be addressed and include 2021 Hay Bid on the envelope:
City of Ida Grove
2021 Hay Bid
PO Box 236
311 Barnes St
Ida Grove, IA 51445
The City of Ida Grove has the right to refuse any, any part, or all bids. Bid opening will be on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 6:15 p.m. during the City Council meeting held at the Rec Center, 311 Barnes Street, Ida Grove.
The City of Ida Grove has picked up a lost dog. We are looking for the owner. The dog has no collar or tags. May be part border collie. Gender is unknown. Picked up near Kid Zone. Please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428 with any information regarding this. 
The City of Ida Grove invites you to bid on the attached list of street repairs, using the attached sheet to submit your bid. Bid sheets may also be obtained at City Hall, 311 Barnes Street, Ida Grove or by request at [email protected].
Each bid must be in ink or typed and mailed or delivered sealed to the following address no later than May 3, 2021 at 4:00 pm:
The envelope must have the following notation on the outside: SEALED BID ENCLOSED
Bids will be opened during the May 3, 2021 City Council meeting at 6:00 pm. Due to COVID-19, all City Council meetings are being held electronically via GoToMeeting. You are invited to join the meeting one of the following ways:
https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofIdaGrove on your tablet, computer, smartphone OR dial in at (872) 240-3212 using the access code: 240-180-549
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 City Hall at 712-364-2428 or the Maintenance Shop at 712-364-2989.
The City of Ida Grove has the right to refuse any, any part, or all bids. We appreciate your consideration for bidding on our project.
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.
With warmer weather just around the corner, everyone will be itching to get outdoors. The trail will be undergoing some maintenance for repair and improvements. Reminder to citizens that under the mayor’s proclamation, the trail is currently closed until May 1st.
Warmer weather is just around the corner! The City of Ida Grove reminds residents of the requirements for mowing of their properties within the City limits under Chapter 8.30 of the City Code. It is unlawful for owners of each lot and parcel of ground within the city limits to fail, refuse, or neglect to cut or destroy all weeds, vines, brush or other growth and debris. Property owners are reminded that any vegetation which reaches a height of more than 8 inches is required to be mowed. Any property not mowed after the vegetation reaches 8 inches in height, may be mowed by the City or their agents, and a charge of $75.00 per hour plus a surcharge of $100.00 will be charged to the property owner.
This publication will serve as notice to property owners.
The City 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.
In respects to Good Friday, our office will be closing at 1 p.m. this Friday, April 2nd. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, April 5th. We wish everyone a safe and Happy Easter!
