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With every Christmas season I like to remind myself of the good fortune, the good times, and the many blessings I’ve experienced over the past year. I also take the time to consider those less fortunate and resolve to make the effort in the coming year to help those that I’m able to and encourage others to do the same.
As we near the end of another year, I look back on all we, as a community accomplished during 2023. Some of the highlights:
- The Community Visioning Committee (formed in 2021) continues to meet and work toward goals for improving and enhancing our community. Their current project involves the revamping and beautification of Mural Park. Many thanks to all of the members of this committee for your hard work. I look forward to watching the transformation of this space. Details of the plans for Mural Park, as well as other (past & future) projects can be found on the City of Emmetsburg’s website.
- We completed the update and remodeling of the new home for our Police Department, and they moved in over the summer.
- The Shores, as well as the City Campgrounds continue to be a popular draw, attracting many visitors to our community.
- The majority of the School to School Trail is complete. The 10’ wide section from Iowa Lakes Community College to 1st Street has been poured. The 6’ wide portion of the trail from 1st Street to Emmetsburg Middle School/High School will be completed when weather allows.
- The annual St Patrick’s celebration got back to normal – post pandemic. We were able to have a dignitary here from Ireland for the first time since 2020.
- We purchased about ten acres of property on North Lawler Street to be used for future residential development.
- New homes continue to be constructed and sold in the Rockport development as a result of the collaborative effort of the City, ECDC, EMU and ILCC.
- We received, and put into service the new Solid Waste Autoloader truck and trash bins. This equipment will improve efficiency and save labor, while at the same time reducing the chance of employee injury.
- We recently completed a project to improve several blocks of Lake Street south of Highway 18. The project included widening the street, construction of sanitary sewer, watermain and storm sewer along with new concrete paving construction.
- We are currently in the process of assuming ownership of approximately 40 acres of land that is home to Five Island Golf Course and Kearney State Park Campground. The property will be deeded to us by the State of Iowa. Operations at the golf course and Kearney State Park Campground will not be affected.
I’d like to recognize our dedicated City and EMU employees. Day in and day out, these folks are here to help and serve us. I appreciate their efforts.
Again this year, I’d like to thank all of the local people who generously donate their time and talent to serve on the various boards working to keep our community going. Because of volunteers like them, we’re able to provide many of the services we all enjoy.
I applaud the efforts of the recently formed Emmetsburg Outdoor Pool Revival Group. I encourage you to listen to what they have to say and support this worthy cause. If a reasonable proposal is eventually submitted for a bond issue, Nancy and I will support it and I encourage others to do the same.
Please take a moment to remember those we have lost since last Christmas. Keep their families and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they spend their first Christmas without their loved ones.
During this Christmas season, I encourage you to attend the church of your choice, join in the singing of hymns, reflect on scripture passages, and exalt the birth of Jesus Christ – a most joyous and sacred time.
An Irish Christmas Blessing:
May peace and plenty be the first
To lift the latch on your door,
And happiness be guided to your home
By the candle of Christmas.
From Nancy and me – Merry Christmas and many blessings for the New Year.
Patrick Degen
Mayor
City of Emmetsburg
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City Announcements & Updates |
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Christmas / Offices Closed & Garbage Collection
Emmetsburg City Hall and Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities will be closed on Friday, December 22 and Monday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday. Friday's solid waste route will be collected on Thursday, December 21. Monday's solid waste route will be collected on Tuesday, December 26. |
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New Year / Offices Closed & Garbage Collection
Emmetsburg City Hall and Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities will be closed on Monday, January 1 in honor of New Year's Day. Monday's solid waste route will be collected on Tuesday, January 2. |
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ATV Registration
Emmetsburg has 2024 ATV/UTV registration stickers available. Registration and licenses can be purchased at the Emmetsburg Police Department, located at 2302 23rd Street. |
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Dog Licenses
It’s nearly time to renew your animal license. Emmetsburg City Ordinance No. 595 states that every owner of a dog over the age of six months shall procure a dog license from the City Clerk on January 1 of each year. The annual license fee is $10, whether neutered or not. The owner must provide documentation certifying that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies. |
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Make a Splash in Emmetsburg!
Donate Toward the Splash Pad Project |
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The City of Emmetsburg is launching fundraising efforts to construct a splash pad in Emmetsburg. This is an exciting project that will make summers in Emmetsburg even more fun and family-friendly! Imagine a safe, accessible, and vibrant space where children of all ages can cool off and make memories.
The community survey conducted during the City of Emmetsburg’s 2021 community-wide strategic planning process showed strong public demand and support for a splash pad. The City has been consulting with Bolton & Menk for the last 17 months to work through possible sites for the splash pad, create a concept design, identify water features, and determine whether a recirculating splash pad or flow-through splash pad should be built. The City of Emmetsburg has approved a preliminary design and list of features and is exploring a potential site location at Iowa Lakes Community College.
The splash pad, not including overflow and seating areas, will be approximately 2,500 square feet with a larger family-friendly splash zone and a smaller toddler-friendly splash zone. The project has been broken into two phases. The first phase includes engineering, groundwork, infrastructure and water recycling system required for the entire project, plus a variety of ground spray features. Attractive ground caps will be easily substituted for future play products with no change to infrastructure. |
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Above-ground play products will be added during the second phase, including a gentle fish, rotating turtles, spraying cattails, streaming leaf, twirling sails, shooting seaweed, and a raining overhead feature. Additional amenities such as a seat wall, picnic tables, shade structures, bike racks, and landscaping will be added later as additional funding becomes available. |
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Above-ground play products will be added during the second phase, including a gentle fish, rotating turtles, spraying cattails, streaming leaf, twirling sails, shooting seaweed, and a raining overhead feature. Additional amenities such as a seat wall, picnic tables, shade structures, bike racks, and landscaping will be added later as additional funding becomes available.
The first phase of the splash pad project is estimated to cost $650,000. The City of Emmetsburg has set aside approximately $350,000 in per capita and city grant funds from Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation and is actively pursuing additional public and private grant opportunities. The public fundraising goal for Phase 1 of the Splash Pad Project is $150,000. The City plans to bid the first phase of the project in the spring of 2024. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring/summer and be completed in late summer.
The City of Emmetsburg needs your help to make this splash a reality. Every contribution counts, whether big or small. Tax-deductible donations may be dropped off or mailed to City Hall, with checks payable to Emmetsburg Community Development Corporation (ECDC).
2021 Main Street
PO Box 417
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
For donation inquiries, corporation sponsorship opportunities, or more information on the project, please contact Kim Kibbie, City Administrator, at 712-852-4030 or visit www.emmetsburg.com/splashpad. |
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Shop Small and Win!
Shop Small Season Challenge
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There are only a few days left to participate in the Emmetsburg Shop Small Season Challenge. Show your support for our local business this week and complete Shop Small challenges.
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The City of Emmetsburg and Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce developed the Shop Small Season Challenge to encourage residents to "shop small" and "shop local" throughout the entire holiday season. While the calendar gives daily ideas for eating, shopping, and supporting local business, challenges can be completed in any order or on any day while doing business in Emmetsburg. Simply have the store manager or staff sign inside the designated box when completing each challenge |
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It pays to shop local! The more you shop, the more you could win!
- If you complete 1-5 challenges, your name will be placed in a drawing to win $25 in Chamber bucks.
- If you complete 6-10 challenges, your name will be placed in a drawing to win $50 in Chamber bucks.
- If you complete 11-15 challenges, your name will be placed in a drawing to win $125 in Chamber bucks.
- If you complete more than 16+ challenges, your name will be placed in a drawing to win $200 in Chamber bucks.
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Printed copies of the Shop Small Season Calendar are available at the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.
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As the New Year Approaches
Message from the Emmetsburg Chamber
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It’s time for membership renewals for the new year. This year has been an exceptional year as we succeeded and grew in every event the Chamber took on. It couldn’t have been done without the support of you, our members and community, and we look forward to more success in 2024.
New Year’s Baby Basket will be presented to the first baby born at PACHS in just a little over a week. Please consider a gift to be included in the basket. A certificate naming the gift and who it is from will be included. Gifts may be dropped off at the Chamber or let me know if I should stop to pick it up from your business.
Save these Dates: Both of these events were so-o-o much fun last year so watch for details:
- Battle of the Businesses Bowling will be on Friday, January 19 (snow date Jan. 26). Sponsorships and sign-ups can be taken at any time with flights at 4:30 and 7:00. Shamrock Lanes is sponsoring a band,
Riddled with Class, to play at 9:30 after bowling so you will want to stay and enjoy.
- Annual Evening of Music and Celebration will be Friday, February 23 at the Wild Rose Casino. Since we had such a great time last year, Brad Morgan and Band will be back in concert and playing your favorite dance tunes. Also returning will be the Whiskey Wall and Wine Grab, and the special presentation of the Citizen of the Year, Catalyst, and 5 Under 40 awards.
Annual Award Nominations are open now until February 1. These include the 2024 Citizen of the Year, 2024 Catalyst of the Year and 5 Under 40 Awards. You see people in our community doing great things so take a few minutes to write who and why you think they should receive the recognition. Nominations may be dropped off, mailed or emailed to the Chamber!
Chamber office hours for the rest of the year are Monday through Friday this week and open Wednesday through Friday, December 27–29 from 8:00 – 5:00. The office will be open again January 2.
Chamber bucks are available to purchase for gifts and employee appreciation during any of the above hours. Short of time to pick up? Call ahead and the order will be ready when you arrive!
Community Calendar for 2024 is now being filled. Event items for January need to be submitted as soon as possible! The Chamber posts to the calendar as events are submitted making this a valuable resource to anyone planning an event to avoid conflicting dates with another event.
Happiest of Holidays to everyone!
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Deb Hite, Director
Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce
eburgchamber@kemb.org | 712-852-2283 |
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Department Updates
What's Happening Around the City
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Police Department
Shop with a Cop
Approximately 30 kids enjoyed a fun-filled evening at the Police Department during the annual Shop with a Cop event on December 10th. The Police Department was able to reach even more kids this year, with a 60% increase in participation. Kids spent time with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, filled their tummies with delicious homemade cookies and Pizza Ranch pizza, watched movies, and hung out with local Police Officers. After the event was over, those that attended were automatically entered into a drawing for an electric police car and six bicycles. Thank you to Pizza Ranch of Emmetsburg, Kiwanis, Employees Credit Union, Progressive Club, Stave Carney, Kat Davis, and Lindsay Steffen for helping make this year's event a success!
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Music BINGO at The Shores
How well do you know your music from the 80's, 90's, early 2000's, and today? Test your knowledge at The Shores at Five Island on Friday, January 5th during Music BINGO! Registration will start at 6:30 PM, and the fun will kick off at 7:00 PM. Purchase BINGO cards for $2 each or 6 cards for $10. There will be prizes for each round, plus a top prize for the last and final Blackout Round. It's sure to be a great time! Click here to learn more. |
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Bags League
Craving a little friendly competition? Sign up for Thursday night Bags League at The Shores. The league will run from January 11 to March 7. The cost is $30 per person, and there will be payouts to the top three teams. Contact Alissa Kliegl at akliegl@emmetsburg.com or 712-852-3422 to sign up. |
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Public Properties
New Garbage Truck
The City is in its third week of using the new automated garbage truck to collect waste in roll-out containers. Thank you for your patience and communication as we've worked through minor issues and learned together. The transition has been pretty smooth overall, and we look forward to streamlining the process more.
As a reminder, please have roll-out containers at the curb by 7:00 AM on your collection day.
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Support Local Food Pantries
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Support your community this holiday season by donating to a local food pantry. Your contributions make a meaningful impact on families in our area and ensure that no one goes without a meal. All donations are greatly appreciated, particularly non-perishable items such as cereal, soups, canned fruits and vegetables.
Emmetsburg Food Pantries:
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Walk-In Social Services
Every Monday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Bingo with Horizons Unlimited
Every Monday at 1:30 PM @ First UMC Family Life Center |
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After School Homework Help
Every Monday from 3:45-5:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Popcorn-Time Movie
Every Tuesday at 1:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library, Room 17
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Food Pantry
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5:00-6:30 PM @ Grace Baptist Church |
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LEGO Club
Every Wednesday from 3:45-5:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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TOPS® Meeting
Every Wednesday at 4:30 PM @ Iowa Welcome Center |
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Tea Time Cinema
Every Thursday at 2:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library
Classic movie is shown + tea is served. Free and open to all.
Call library for titles showing and more info: 712-852-4009.
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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Every Thursday at 7:30 PM @ Family Life Center |
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Pokémon Club
Every Friday from 3:45-5:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library, Room 14 |
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TCG Mania
Every Friday from 5:00-6:30 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Sugar Cookie Decorating
Dec 21 at 3:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Elf! The Musical
Dec 21 at 7:30 PM @ Main Street Community Theatre |
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City Hall / EMU Closed (Christmas)
Friday, December 22 - Solid waste route will be collected early on Thursday |
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Public Library Closed (Christmas)
Saturday, December 23 |
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City Hall / EMU / Library Closed (Christmas)
Monday, December 25 - Solid waste route will be collected on Tuesday |
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Bullet Journaling
Dec 26 at 2:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Interactive Holiday Movie
Dec 27 at 1:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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"Bad" Art
Dec 28 at 2:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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5th-12th Grade DIY Touch Screen Gloves and Ice Cream
Dec 29 at 2:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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City Hall / EMU / Library Closed (New Year's Day)
Monday, January 1 - Solid waste route will be collected on Tuesday |
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Life Serve Community Blood Drive
Jan 10 from 12:00-4:30 PM @ VFW |
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Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting at the Axis Real Estate Huron Apartments
Jan 12 from 9:30-10:30 AM @ 1505 5th Street apartment complex |
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Classics at the Riviera showing
“The Man Who Came to Dinner”
Jan 14 at 4:30 PM @ Riviera Theatre |
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Palo Alto County Caucus
Jan 15 at 6:00 PM @ Iowa Lakes Community College
Republicans - Smith Wellness Center
Democrats - Auditorium, Entrance #3 |
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Battle of the Business Bowling Tournament
Jan 19 at 4:30 and 7:30 PM flights @ Shamrock Lanes |
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Kiwanis Pancake & Omelet Breakfast Supporting Emmetsburg Band Boosters
Jan 21 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ VFW |
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This newsletter is published by the City of Emmetsburg Marketing & Development Coordinator |
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