I’m humbled by the trust placed in me when I was elected Mayor of Emmetsburg. I look forward to serving our wonderful community in this position.

I’ve been a resident of Emmetsburg for over 29 years. Originally from Bancroft, I joined the US Air Force in 1981, serving until 1988. Upon my discharge, I returned to my hometown and subsequently found my way to Emmetsburg in the fall of 1990. A choice that has brought great satisfaction to my family and me. My wife, Nancy and I look forward to many, many more years here.

Through the efforts of progressive minded citizens, we enjoy a thriving business district and many industries which provide quality goods and jobs for our local residents. These factors, along with affordable housing, quality health care facilities, excellent schools, a local community college and a safe environment make Emmetsburg an ideal place to reside, raise a family, or spend our retirement years. While many small communities struggle, Emmetsburg thrives. This is no accident. It’s the result of the efforts of many.

Like most residents, I’m proud of our Irish heritage and look forward to celebrating it with you all every year. Emmetsburg’s annual St. Patrick’s celebration takes a lot of hard work and coordination by many people. I look at this celebration as our time to put our community on display. 

We have a lot to be proud of!

At City Hall, we’ll strive always to be attentive to the changing needs of the community and we’ll continue with what has worked so well for us in the past.

Sincerely,

Patrick Degen

Mayor, City of Emmetsburg

Dog Licenses
It’s time to renew your animal license. Emmetsburg City Code, Chapter 56.02, states that every owner of a dog over the age of six months shall procure a dog license. The annual license fee is $5 for each male or female dog, and $3 for each neutered dog. To license your dog, you must have a current veterinarian’s certificate showing that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies.

ATV Registration

The 2020 ATV permit registrations are now available. Please stop in the Emmetsburg Police Department (1907 11th St.) during regular business hours and get your new registration sticker. As a reminder licenses are $25/person. Cash and checks are acceptable forms of payment. A copy of Emmetsburg Code Chapter 75 outlining the rules and regulations for ATV’s are available upon request.

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS

• Jan 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Emmetsburg Public Library Closed
• Feb 17 - Presidents' Day | City Offices Closed

Happy New Year 2020! The number 2020 alone implies a clear vision for what lies ahead, creating an optimism for the new year as it bring new opportunities: new Chamber Board members, new members, and the privilege to showcase Emmetsburg during the inaugural Iowa’s Ride.

January’s focus is foursome: membership renewals, BOBB, awards banquet prep and Iowa’s Ride. 

First in 2019, we established a new membership package for those who choose to support the Chamber with sponsorships and participation throughout the year. Simplify your life. Choose a Chamber Champion level, write one check, and we will do the rest. You will receive registration info for the events of your choice, but you won’t be asked to give more money. If something new comes up, we will be sure that you get that information too. Also, did you know that even if you do not have a business, individuals can be a member of the Chamber for just $30 a year?

BOBB, Battle of the Businesses Bowling Tournament, is scheduled for January 31 at Shamrock Lanes. Not sure how much more fun can be packed into this team-building event, but we will find a way. Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant will be catering a delicious Fajita & Taco Buffet with all the trimmings. Sponsorships and registrations are being taken until January 24.

Preparations are underway for our 2020 Banquet & Awards Presentation on February 17. Nominations have been received for the 2020 Citizen of the Year, 5 Under 40 and the 2020 MidAmerican Energy Catalyst awards. It is with an attitude of gratitude as we recognize these special individuals for all they do for our community.

Iowa’s Ride will be rolling into Emmetsburg on Thursday, July 16. The seven month process of planning has begun with choosing committee chairpersons who are willing to share their talents in making our overnight stay a success. The goal of this inaugural ride is to experience all the wonderful things we can offer them in one special summer day. Iowa’s Ride is expecting 5,000 - 7,000 riders/support people who to experience our local hospitality. Stay tuned for more information as we progress with our plans.

Deb Hite

Did you know, over 1/3 of rural hospitals in Iowa have discontinued their OB programs? Here at Palo Alto County Health System we are committed to growing our OB program to help support the counties that don't have those services close to home. Part of our commitment in growing our OB program includes hiring two new Family Practice OB Physicians, Dr. Patton and Dr. Sticca, who joined our team last year. As we are growing and revamping our OB program, we are also starting to remodel our OB delivery suites. The new rooms provide a comfortable, upscale feel for the families that are about to bring their new child into the world. The remodeling includes new flooring, bed linens, curtains, monitors, wall colors, and much more! The bathrooms have a jacuzzi with a top-notch hotel styled mirror with backlit LED lighting.This is one of the many examples of how PACHS is committed to taking care of our family, friends, and neighbors. There have been many hands involved in pulling off this big project. We would like to recognize and thank the PACHS facilities team, PACHS team committee members, local designer Hannah Bleuer, and a special thanks to the PACH Foundation for the generous financial gift that makes this possible. Be sure to 'Like" the PACHS Facebook page to stay in the loop with all the new and exciting things going on at PACHS! At Palo Alto County Health System it's not just Healthcare… it's Lifecare.

- Palo Alto County Health System (PACHS)

Last month marked the end of a decade, and it was an eventful one. The world saw the rise of the mobile devices and social media, the shift to internet everything, a whirlwind of social and political changes, natural and environmental disasters, major growth in science and automation, and so much more. A lot happened around the world in the 2010s, and we want to reflect on what's been happening here in Emmetsburg. We have much to be proud of, and we’re working towards bigger and better every day. The Emmetsburg Community Development Corporation has been working closely with the Emmetsburg Reporter to produce a ten-year review of Emmetsburg's economic successes. The special insert will be released in late January. Pick up a copy to take a look back at a decade of plans, projects, and progress in Emmetsburg. 

- Emmetsburg Community Development Corp. (ECDC)

Thank you Emmetsburg for the awesome welcoming you have shown to our store! We are eager and excited to serve our community in 2020. For starters, at the beginning of 2020 we will go live with Aisles Online. This will give our customers the ability to order their groceries online and pick them up on their way home or whenever is most convenient for them. Delivery will also be available Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s within the city of Emmetsburg. Check out and like our Facebook page for updates and more information. We want to hear from you Emmetsburg, let us know how we can help make your lives Easier, Healthier and Happier!

Sincerely,

Brandon Euler

Store Director, Emmetsburg Dollar Fresh

Wednesdays @ 4:15 PM
ISU Extension

Thursdays @ 2:00 PM
Emmetsburg Public Library

Jan 15 @ 1:30 PM
Hospital Health Ed Room

Jan 15 @ 1:30 PM
Emmetsburg Public Library

Jan 15 @ 6:00 PM
The Shores

Sponsored by the City of Emmetsburg & Chamber
$25 Registration - Contact Gretchen at 712.415.1142

Jan 17 @ 9:30 AM
in Health Ed Room

Jan 18 & 19

Jan 21 @ 8:30 AM and 5:15 PM
First United Methodist Church

Jan 24 @ 9:30 AM

Jan 25 @ 7:00 PM

Mondays @ 10:30 AM
Jan 27 - Mar 2
Emmetsburg Public Library

Jan 31 @ 9:30 AM

Sponsored by the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce
Jan 31 @ 4:30 PM
Shamrock Lanes

Feb 1 @ 8:30 AM
Welcome Center

Feb 2 @ 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
VFW

Feb 5 @ 1:30 PM
Emmetsburg Public Library

Feb 9 @ 4:30 PM
Emmetsburg Public Library

Feb 11 @ 5:00 PM
Emmetsburg Public Library

Feb 12 @ 6:00 PM
The Shores

Sponsored by the City of Emmetsburg & Chamber
$25 Registration - Contact Gretchen at 712.415.1142

Feb 14 
Call to reserve a table

Sponsored by Bethany Lutheran Church
Feb 16 @ 8:00 AM-12:30 PM

VFW

Sponsored by the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce
Feb 17 @ 6:00 PM

The Shores

Jan 21 - 5:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library

Jan 27 - 6:00 PM @ City Hall

Jan 28 - 7:00 AM @ City Hall

Feb 10 - 6:00 PM @ City Hall

Feb 11 - 7:00 AM @ City Hall

Feb 28 @ 1:30 PM
Emmetsburg Public Library

Presenter Sheila Craig takes a nostalgic look at the apron in an interactive, hands-on program.

Mar 25 @ 8:00 AM
Water's Edge Nature Center, Algona

Sponsored in part by Kossuth/Palto Alto Co. Economic Development

See more events and details at www.emmetsburg.com/
community-events