Thank You!
The City of Ida Grove would like to thank Roger Frank with Nutrien Ag Solutions, for donating the fertilizer to the ballfields. We greatly appreciate this donation to keep our fields healthy and vibrant.
Pleasant Valley Trail Officially Open May 1st
The Pleasant Valley Trail is officially open today, May 1, 2025!
Mayor Proclaims Poppy Days 2025
MAYOR PROCLAIMS POPPY DAYS-
HONORS AMERICA’S WAR DEAD
Mayor, Nathan Weitl, has proclaimed May 1st through 31st, 2025 as Poppy Days in Ida Grove according to the Poppy Chairman of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #61, which sponsors the annual observance. Legion Auxiliary Members will be distributing poppies throughout May.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the American Legion Auxiliary adopted the Poppy as its memorial flower which pays tribute to the war dead and aids the living veterans and their families; and
WHEREAS, the contributions are used solely for children, youth, and rehabilitation in our local community;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nathan Weitl, Mayor of the City of Ida Grove, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2025 as Poppy Month and May 1 through the 31 as Poppy Days in our community. /s/ Nathan, Weitl, Mayor
Sign Up For Alert Iowa Today!
Alert Iowa is the State of Iowa’s official emergency notification system. Not only does this provide information regarding weather related alerts, but also for county – community specific alerts.
Sign up for FREE emergency alerts via phone call, text, and/or email at
https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/programs/alert-iowa
2025 Pool Pass Discount May 1st!
Thursday, May 1st
Get your outdoor pool pass at a $15 discounted rate!
1 day only!
Passes can be purchased at the Ida Grove Recreation Center.
Click Here To View The 2025 Outdoor Pool Admission Fees
Compost & Brush Pile Illegal Deposits
The city compost and brush piles are special amenities to those within city limits of Ida Grove. Unfortunately, we are continuing to see illegal dumping at these piles. The rules and regulations are in place for a reason; if the piles continue to be filled with prohibited debris, the City will have no choice but to close the piles for public access and offenders caught, will be fined. 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.
Click Here To View Compost & Brush Pile Ordinance
FY26 Budget Adoption Public Hearing Notice
The City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on the proposed FY26 Budget at City Hall, located at 403 3rd Street, on April 21, 2025, at 5:30 pm.
Click Here To View FY26 Budget
FY26 Proposed Property Tax Rate Explanation
Attention Taxpayers:
City Staff & Leaders are excited to share the following information regarding the City’s portion of property taxes:
The City of Ida Grove will be REDUCING the CITY property tax rate by .7128/$1,000 of taxable valuation for fiscal year 2026!
Click Here To View FY26 Proposed Property Tax Rate Explanation
Notice of Public Hearing FY26 Proposed Property Tax Levy
The City Council will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 proposed property tax levy. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, 4/7/2025 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, Ida Grove, IA. The attached notice has been published in the Ida County Courier (3/26/25), and on the City of Ida Grove, Recreation Center, Library, and the Fire Department Facebook pages in addition to the website.
City Compost & Brush Piles
The City of Ida Grove, from time to time, as designated by the city council at a regular meeting, may open, operate and maintain a compost and/or brush pile on city property for the use and convenience of citizens residing in the corporate limits for disposal of yard waste, trees, branches and bark during the designated hours of operation. 8.35.010
During the periods of time the city compost pile or brush piles are open, citizens of Ida Grove may deposit in the compost pile yard wastes defined for purposes of this section as grass clippings, leaves, flowers, etc.; produced as part of yard and garden development and maintenance and deposit in the brush pile, bark, tree limbs, and branches not exceeding 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length. 8.35.020
8.35.030 It shall be unlawful and a municipal infraction to: (1) Deposit in the compost or brush pile compost or other brush originating from outside the city limits. (2) To deposit in the brush or compost piles any matter or items not designated in this chapter (e.g., plastic bags or other containers, tree limbs exceeding maximum size, garbage and building materials. (3) To remove compost or brush without specific authorization from the city clerk. (4) Deposit compost or brush other than during times or hours of operation.
The municipal offense fine for violation of this chapter is $250.00 for first offense, $500.00 for second offense, and $750.00 for third or subsequent offenses. 8.35.040
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 p.m. and 8 p.m. from April 1 to Nov. 30 of each year. Yard waste is the only material that is allowed to be burnt. It shall be illegal for any person to burn or allow open burning on the premises except during the times and during the dates stated in this paragraph.
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.
Permits Required
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.
Program Postponed: New Date for Adventures Along Iowa’s Historic Lincoln Highway
Due to yesterday’s weather and the continued clean up effort across the area, the program scheduled for tonight at the library –“Adventures Along Iowa’s Historic Lincoln Highway with Darcy Maulsby” — has been postponed.
The new date for this program is Thursday, April 3 at 5:30 PM.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the change and appreciate your understanding.
For those planning to attend, we look forward to seeing you then! If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date, feel free to reach out for more information.
Impending Storm 3/19/2025
With the impending blizzard conditions expected to impact our area tomorrow, 3/19/2025, we would like to inform the residents of Ida Grove that our City Crew will be operating with one less plow truck and sander due to unforeseen mechanical issues that are unable to be resolved prior to the storm. We ask the residents to please be patient as our crews try and get streets open.
Help Wanted – 2025 Summer Rec Umpires
Help Wanted – Summer Rec Umpires
The Ida Grove Community Recreation Center is currently looking for umpires for the upcoming summer softball & baseball season.
Full time and substitute umpires are needed for Summer Rec. Games will be held week nights from May 9 through the end of June. Umpires will be paid a minimum of $30 per game. Certified umpires will be paid $50 per game. Major/Minor games require at least one certified official.
Those interested in umpiring should contact Recreation Director Scott Clark at 364-3716 or [email protected].
Now Hiring For The 2025 Outdoor Pool Season
Now Hiring: Outdoor Lifeguards!
The Ida Grove Rec Center is currently accepting applications for the following positions for the upcoming outdoor pool season:
- Pool Manager
- Assistant Pool Manager
- Head Lifeguards
- Lifeguards
Position Overview
As a member of our outdoor pool team, you will play a key role in ensuring the safety and security of our pool patrons. Your responsibilities will include monitoring pool activities, maintaining a clean and safe environment, log taking, chemical testing, and performing other duties as assigned by the Pool Manager or Assistant Pool Manager.
Qualifications
- Pay is based on qualifications and previous experience.
- Must be reliable and demonstrate strong communication skills.
- Lifeguard certification is required for lifeguard positions (or must be obtained before the start of the season).
Important Dates
- Applications are due by March 21.
- The outdoor pool season begins May 23.
How to Apply
Applications are available at the Ida Grove Rec Center.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of a fun and rewarding summer job! Apply today!
2025 Pet License Discount Rate Ends Friday!
Stop into City Hall and get your pet registered at the discounted rate!
Discount rate ends FRIDAY!
All dogs & cats over SIX months old must be licensed.
January 1 – February 28 $10.00 altered $15.00 not altered
March 1 – December 31 $20.00 altered $25.00 not altered
Want To Stay In The Know?
Did you know? You can sign up to receive important alerts delivered directly to you via call, text and/or email.
The City of Ida Grove has partnered with Ida County to utilize Alert Iowa’s messaging system. Visit Iowa’s Homeland Security & Emergency Management website, linked below, and choose from one of three ways to register for an account today! You may opt into receiving alerts that are pertinent to you for the town you reside in or all towns within Ida County. The alerts may include notifications such as boil advisories & severe weather warnings. Click the link to sign up! https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/alert-iowa/
You can also get up to date emails when you subscribe to our website at www.idagroveia.com and scroll to the bottom of our home page, enter your email, and click subscribe! It’s that easy!
Anything we post on our website will automatically send you an email!
Like and follow us on our Facebook page at City of Ida Grove, Iowa. We share all of our website postings to our page!
Winter Weather Reminders
With the projected snowfall forecasted for the remainder of the week, we wanted to share this friendly reminder in regards to on-street parking and sidewalks.
10.45.100 Snow Removal – Parking Prohibited
(1) Parking Prohibited. No person shall park, abandon or leave unattended any vehicle on any public street, alley, or city-owned off-street parking area during the “snow removal season” as designated by the mayor under the provisions of IGCC 10.45.080, if either of the following conditions apply:
12.10.090 Removal of Snow, Ice and Accumulation
(1) It shall be the responsibility of the abutting property owners to remove sow, 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.
City Hall Closed 2-17-25
City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Residents of Circle Drive, Fairlane, E. 6th, and E. 7th from Circle Drive to Barnes Street
Due to water main repair, the following area of town will be without water this morning through early afternoon or as soon as repair is complete. Repair of a water main requires a BOIL ADVISORY for the affected area only.
Affected area: Circle Drive, Fairlane Street, E. 6th Street, and E. 7th Street from Circle Drive to Barnes Street.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW MAP OF AFFECTED AREA AS SHOWN WITHIN RED OUTLINE.
If you were not notified via door hangar, this notice does not pertain to you.
Again, affected area only PLEASE DO NOT CONSUME THE WATER FOR APPOXIMATELY 24 HOURS, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
YOU MAY USE THE WATER, BUT DO NOT DRINK, COOK OR CONSUME IT UNLESS BOILED FIRST. IF YOUR WATER APPEARS DISCOLORED, RUN COLD WATER FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. WE APPOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND WILL UPDATE ONCE MORE INFORMATION IS RECEIVED.
2025 Pet Licenses On Sale Now!
City Code 6.10.020 – License Required
All dogs & cats over SIX months old must be licensed.
Fees: January 1 – February 28
$10 if spayed or neutered, $15 if not spayed or neutered.
For the remainder of the year (March 1 – December 31)
$20 if spayed or neutered, $25 if not spayed or neutered.
Dogs & Cats need to have their license tags on their collar for identification purposes; this allows the City to assist in reuniting a lost dog or cat with its owner.
By order of the City Council of Ida Grove.
City Hall Holiday Hours
Tuesday, December 24th 8 am – Noon
Wednesday, December 25th CLOSED
We will resume normal business hours Thursday, December 26th.
Tuesday, December 31st 8am – Noon
Wednesday, January 1st CLOSED
We will resume normal business hours Thursday, January 2, 2025.
City Hall Closed 11-28 & 11-29
City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, in observance of Thanksgiving.
We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 2.
We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.
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.
Closed 11-11-24 For Veterans Day
City Hall will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024, in observance of Veterans Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Tree Removal Bid Invitation
Tree Bid Invitation Announcement
The City of Ida Grove invites the submission of sealed bids from qualified contractors for tree removal from city right-of-way. The job entails removing 29 marked trees in various locations in the city. Bid specifications can be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street Ida Grove, IA, by request through mail or email, or you may view the link below.
Click Here For Bid Specifications
City Hall at 712-364-2428.
Sealed bids must be received no later than 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Public Input Questionnaire 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan
PAPER COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL.
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.
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!
***UPDATE*** OWNER FOUND** Lost Dogs 6-18-24
On 6/18/2024, the City of Ida Grove picked up 2 lost dogs found along 2nd Street, near Horn Physicians Clinic. The black and white one is a male, and the beagle mix is female. If anyone has any information on the owner(s), please contact City Hall at 364-2428.
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.
403 3rd St., Ida Grove, Iowa 51445