City of Emmetsburg Newsletter

Community State Bank’s $25,000 Donation Jumpstarts Fundraising for Soper Park Splash Pad

Photo of Community State Bank representatives present check for splash pad to City representatives

L to R: Gretchen Reichter, City Marketing & Retail Coordinator; Megan Jones, City Finance Director; Clark Cunningham, Community State Bank CEO; Corey Gramowski, City Councilman; Kim Kibbie, City Administrator; Tony Brugman, Community State Bank Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager; Pat Martini, City Councilman; Brian Malm, City Councilman

The City of Emmetsburg has officially launched fundraising efforts for the Emmetsburg splash pad, to be constructed at Soper Park this summer. Community State Bank has made a splash in Emmetsburg by jumpstarting the fundraising campaign with a generous $25,000 donation. “Community Bank is pleased to be a major sponsor of the Soper Park Splash Pad” said Clark Cunningham, CEO of Community State Bank. “We strive to support our communities and feel this a great project for Emmetsburg, and we are glad to be a part of it.”

The City is very grateful Community State Bank chose to support the splash pad project. “This project will create another amenity that helps to attract and retain families,” said City Administrator Kim Kibbie. “Community’s State Bank’s donation not only demonstrates the importance of this project, but it also shows their commitment to the future of our community.”

After exploring multiple site options, the City of Emmetsburg has selected Soper Park as the official location of the splash pad. The splash pad will be approximately 2,500 square feet, plus overflow and seating areas. It will include a larger 1,800 SF family-friendly splash zone and a smaller 700 SF toddler-friendly splash zone. In addition to in-ground spray components, the Soper Park splash pad will have ten interactive above-ground water features. These include rotating turtles, a gentle fish, shooting seaweed, spraying cattails, twirling sales, a streaming leaf, and an “Astra” raining overhead feature sponsored by Community State Bank.

Photo of above-ground splash pad water features

The splash pad project is estimated to cost $585,000, including all above-ground water features, site amenities, and landscaping. The City has set aside approximately $350,000 in grant funds from Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation and aims to raise $200,000 locally to complete the project. The City plans to approve bid specs and accept bids this spring. Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer and be completed in late summer or fall.

The City of Emmetsburg has partnered with Emmetsburg Community Development Corporation (ECDC) to raise funds for the splash pad project. We need your help to make this project a reality. The City would love to put a permanent stamp on this project with your company or family name to recognize your financial support. Every contribution counts, whether big or small. Tax-deductible donations may be dropped off at Emmetsburg City Hall, 2021 Main Street, or mailed to ECDC, Attn: Splash Pad, PO Box 417, Emmetsburg, IA 50536. Checks may be payable to ECDC.

Additional information about the splash pad project may be found at www.emmetsburg.com/splashpad. For in-kind donation inquiries or corporate sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kim Kibbie, City Administrator, at 712-852-4030.

Learn More

Exploring the Future of West Elementary

The following information is from the Emmetsburg Community School District. Click here to view the PDF flyer.

Our community takes great pride in its schools and the accomplishments of our students. At the same time, the Emmetsburg Community School District has critical facility needs at the early childhood and elementary levels.

West Elementary School faces a variety of immediate needs that include:

A mechanical retrofit to improve ventilation and air conditioning
Exterior improvements, including playground drainage, windows, siding, and gutters
Classroom updates, such as floors, fixtures, and paint
Improvements to the safety system, along with updates to the fire alarms, camera system, and the PA system
A parking lot installed over construction debris, leading to settling
Music education is currently provided in a "temporary" structure that was installed in the late 1970s

The West Facility Committee, made up of district staff and community members, has examined issues at the school. The committee believes the best option for ECSD is to construct a new 65,000 square-foot elementary school that would be home to grades PK-4. This would require a bond issue vote (with 60% approval) and the school would be built at a new site, allowing the district to meet its goal of providing students, teachers, and staff with a high-quality learning environment where they can thrive.

A new elementary school site would also offer safe vehicular circulation, include a designed green space with a large playground area, and would not require significant student disruptions. A larger site would also present ECSD with future options for the expansion that could include a 5th-grade wing.

A significant renovation would need to take place at West Elementary School to address its current issues if this recommendation is not taken to voters in November.

This project provides ECSD with opportunity to repurpose the existing West Elementary School into an Early Learning Center. Under consideration would be demolition of the northern wing and remodeling classrooms to house children ranging from infants to four years old.

Repurposing of West Elementary School would occur once students occupy the new facility. ECSD would retain ownership of the building and continue to make use of the gymnasium.

Maintaining daycare space is critical when it comes to attracting staff and young families to the community. ECSD and local businesses have lost potential candidates for open positions due to the community's lack of daycare.

Emmetsburg Community School District

205 King Street

Emmetsburg, IA 50536

www.e-hawks.org

Smith Foundation Makes A Splash

Photo of Smith Foundation presenting splash pad check to city

Photo of cattail splash pad water features

Smith Foundation Sponsors Cattail Water Feature with $15,000 Donation

The Arthur & Audrey Smith Foundation generously provided a $15,000 grant for the Emmetsburg Splash Pad. This substantial donation moves the City one step closer to opening the splash pad this summer with all ten above-ground water features. The Smith Foundation will be the proud name sponsor of one of the two spraying cattails.

Photo of Smith Foundation presenting grant check to city

Smith Foundation Grant Funds "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" Program

The Emmetsburg Public Library is excited to announce our newest literacy initiative for our youngest library patrons! 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide program specifically for kids 0-5 years old.

The concept of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is simple! Read a book (any book!) to your newborn, infant, toddler, or preschooler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your child starts kindergarten. While that may sound daunting, when it is broken down from birth to 5 years, it is less than a book a day! If you read a single book to your infant every night for a year, they will have read 365 books. In two years, they will have read 730 books, and 1,095 books in three years! Most children start kindergarten around the age of 5, so participants have plenty of time.

Studies have shown that literacy skills begin to develop even before birth. Reading to your newborn and infant helps grow their vocabulary as well as feelings of empathy and social-emotional connections. This program works to promote literacy skills as well as provide bonding time for children and their caregivers.

The library will provide materials to help you keep track of your little one’s reading success. We encourage you to log every book that is read to your child whether it is at home, at daycare, or even at the library’s storytimes. We allow books to be written down multiple times — we know that kids find a favorite and want to read it over and over again.

"1000 Books Before Kindergarten" Program Flyer

Sign ups for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten will begin on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Parents can sign up on or after this date. This is an on-going initiative, so sign ups will continue for the life of the program. The library will provide a welcome packet and materials to help your little one start on their reading journey. We will have incentives planned along the way to collect at major milestones! Please call 712-852-4009 if you have any questions or want to know more about the program.

Smith Foundation Funds Public Safety

The Emmetsburg Police Department received a $1115.00 grant from the Smith Foundation to assist in purchasing collapsible safety cones. These cones will be able to be easily transported in police vehicles without requiring a large amount of space.

Next Week is National Library Week!

April 7-13, 2024

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. This year National Library Week will be April 7-13. The Emmetsburg Public Library will be celebrating National Library Week with a week full of scheduled events!

Monday, April 8:

National Library Week will kick off at 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning with sign ups for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. This program is the library’s newest initiative to give our tiniest readers a head start on early literacy. This is an ongoing program, so sign-ups will continue for the life of the program. Every child that signs up on Monday will receive a special welcome kit to get them started on their reading journey!

At 10:30 a.m. we will have our weekly Preschool Storytime. Come enjoy a story, song, and craft with our storytime leader. This is also a great time to sign up your little one for 1,000 Books!

At 6:00 p.m.- Maureen Horsley will be leading a walk and talk tour of the Vandervelde Primitive Cultures Collection. This collection includes artifacts and writings from Marge Vandervelde’s time with the Kuna Indians of Panama.

Tuesday, April 9:

Popcorn Movie Time occurs every Tuesday at 1 p.m. This week we will be showing Back to the Future. Bring a friend and we’ll supply the movie and the popcorn!

At 7 p.m., the library will be hosting Jillann Gabrielle’s one-woman show Hedda! A Musical Conversation. This musical focuses on Hedda Hopper, the iconic, Hollywood gossip columnist, actress, and political pundit. Jillann is a familiar face around our library and has previously presented her shows on Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, Princess Diana, and Jackie O. This performance is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, April 10:

At 2 p.m., professionals from Palo Alto County Hospital Behavioral Health, Spencer Hospital Behavioral Health, and Palo Alto County ISU Extension office will present “Let’s Chat: Mental Health and Substance Abuse.”

Every Wednesday, the Emmetsburg Public Library holds Lego Club at 3:45 p.m. This program lets kids explore their creativity and express themselves through Legos. Lego club is open to kids ages 5 and up. A light snack will be provided.

Thursday, April 11:

One of the Emmetsburg Public Library’s longest running programs happens on Thursdays at 2 p.m. Tea-Time Cinema presents classic movies with a side of tea! This week’s movie will be Amadeus starring F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce. 2024 marks the 40^th anniversary of this film depicting the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the eyes of Antonio Salieri.

At 6:30 p.m., Duffy Hudson is back with his performance of Albert Einstein! Duffy is another familiar around the library. In the past he has performed as Edgar Alan Poe, Harry Houdini, and Nicola Tesla. All of Duffy’s shows are written by Duffy himself. He will be back later in the week to perform a children’s magic show.

Friday, April 12:

At 3:45 on Friday, April 12, the Emmetsburg Public Library will hold a Pokemon Tournament. This program is for ages 8 and up. Participants must sign up ahead of time. Decks will be provided.

Saturday April 13:

At 1 p.m.- Duffy Hudson is back with his Children’s Magic Show! Duffy’s alter ego, Alfredo the Magnificent, will astound you, while YOU are the magician! This program is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome!

We hope to see you during National Library Week to celebrate and show your support for the Emmetsburg Public Library. Please call 712-852-4009 with any questions.

Riviera Theatre Needs Community Support

When the theatre was scheduled to close in 2010, Greg and Steve Hoyman understood the value of keeping a movie theater in Emmetsburg. They purchased the theater and made improvements over the years with the support of the community. Yet now, across the nation, small theaters are struggling and losing money due to Covid, the writers' strike, streaming services, and a smaller number of big box office films. The loss has become substantial. The Riviera Theatre is no different.

Over the past years, the Hoymans have been willing to accept a loss operating the theater to keep it in town, but the loss has become substantial. To ensure the theater remains open, community support is requested to defray some of the loss. A Friends of the Riviera Fund has been established with Emmetsburg Community Development Corporation (ECDC) to allow the community to support the theater and ensure that it's able to keep operating in Emmetsburg. If you are passionate about keeping our theater in town, please consider contributing to the Friends of the Riviera Fund.

Checks may be made payable to ECDC and delivered or mailed to City Hall: 2021 Main Street, P.O. Box 417, Emmetsburg, IA 50536. Please designate "Riviera Theatre" on the check memo. Donation receipts will be provided for these tax-deductible donations. All donations of $250 or more will be recognized on the screen at the theater as "Friends of the Riviera Theatre." Donations of $400 or more will be recognized as "Major Theater Supporters."

Community members may also support the theater by attending movies, purchasing concessions, and/or leaving a free-will donation or check at the theater box office of any amount.

Thank you for your support!

Inspirational Bible Stories Comes to Life at the Riviera Theatre

The Riviera Theatre is excited to present inspirational stories from the bible as depicted by the famous Sight and Sound Theater in Branson, Missouri. For nearly 15 years, Sigh and Sound Theater has presented stories from the Bible in their spectacular theater productions. Now they are available on film at the Riviera Theatre in Emmetsburg.

"The Sight and Sound Theater productions of Biblical stories are always a favorite in Branson," commented Greg Hoyman, one of the owners of the Riviera Theatre, along with his son Steve. "We found we can purchase a license to show these productions on film at our theater and knew that our community would enjoy them."

Community members are invited to attend and enjoy these productions every Sunday night at 5:00 pm. A new production will be shown each month. "Moses" is the first film production and is showing each Sunday in April. "Joseph" will be showing every Sunday in May. "Queen Esther" is scheduled to play each Sunday in June. More dates and productions will follow.

"As the theater struggles to keep the doors open, we are looking for ways to bring unique quality entertainment to Emmetsburg in addition to our regular feature films," commented Greg Hoyman. I think these films with Sight and Sound Theater will bring value to our variety of entertainment options."

There is no admission fee to these films, but those wishing to help the theater continue these types of programs are encouraged to give a free-will donation at the theater box office.

Please contact the theater if you are interested in sponsoring a production.

City of Emmetsburg Introduces New "Healthy Homes" Exterior Rehab Grant

Are you looking to enhance the appearance of your home and contribute to the betterment of your neighborhood? If yes, you’ll be excited to learn that the City of Emmetsburg has introduced a new grant program to assist homeowners with exterior repairs. The new Healthy Homes program offers participating property owners a dollar-for-dollar match up to $500 on qualifying exterior improvements. For example, if $500 is spent, a $250 match will be made. If $2,000 is spent, the match is capped at $500.

Eligible improvements include air sealing insulation, ENERGY STAR certified doors and windows, exterior paint, trim, shutters, siding, soffit, fascia, flashing, ventilation, gutters, roofing, foundation repair, sidewalks, mailboxes, house plaques, exterior lighting, and ash tree removal and replacement. Funds may not be used for interior construction, additions, or detached structures.

Applications are now open. Interested homeowners may visit www.emmetsburg.com/healthyhomes to view program guidelines and download an application. Homes must be owner-occupied and located within the city limits of Emmetsburg. A competitive selection process will consider completeness of applications, need/impact of proposed improvements on the individual property and the neighborhood, and proximity to other applicant properties. Additionally, preference will be shown to projects with materials purchased locally.

The City will begin reviewing applications on April 15 for the first round of funding. Applications will be accepted continuously. After a review process, grant commitments will be issued for selected projects. Grant funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement after project completion. To receive matching funds, property owners must submit a final report with all receipts, invoices, proof of payment, and photos at the conclusion of their project(s).

For more information and questions, please contact Gretchen Reichter with the City of Emmetsburg Economic Development Department at greichter@emmetsburg.com or 712-852-2067.

Learn More & Apply

Additional Housing Assistance Available

Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund

The Housing Trust Fund provides grants and/or loans to low to moderate income homeowners to make necessary home repairs. Repairs eligible for assistance include basic structural repairs, roofs, windows, siding, insulation, electrical upgrades, furnace replacements, plumbing repairs, septic tank improvements, hot water heater replacements, lead based paint reduction, exterior ramps, and accessible bathroom facilities. Households under 30% of the Area Median Income limits are eligible for a forgivable grant up to $12,500. Households between 31-80% of the Area Median Income limits are eligible for a combination of a forgivable grant/loan up to $12,500 and a low-interest loan (2%) up to $25,000.

View Brochure

New Construction Grant

$20,000 grants are available for new, owner-occupied single family dwellings within the City of Emmetsburg thanks to funding from Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation. Grant funds are for construction or acquisition of a new single family home within corporate limits that has not previously been occupied. The property must be the applicant’s primary personal residence, and the appraised value or actual cost of the home and land must be between $200,000-400,000.

View Program Overview

Tax Abatement

Planning to improve your property? All residential property in Emmetsburg is eligible to receive a 100% exemption from taxes on the first $75,000 of actual (taxable) value added by the improvements for a period of 5 years.

View Application

Demo Grant

$5,000 grants are available for the demolition of dilapidated homes thanks to funding from Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation. Additional program information is available at City Hall: 712-852-4030.

Community Garden Plots

Apply to secure a plot at the Community Garden on the corner of 17th and State Street.

Previous gardeners should apply BEFORE April 15th to secure the same plot(s) as last year. After April 15, all plots will open up.

Applications may be picked up at City Hall or completed online at https://form.jotform.com/230086553193052.

Questions? Call City Hall at 712-852-4030.

Five Island Golf Registration Night

Friday, April 5

Head out to Dockside Lounge at The Shores this Friday from 5:00-7:00pm to sign up for your 2024 Five Island Golf membership. There will be free appetizers from Kirby's.

Five Island golf membership rates and tournament dates

2024 Membership Prices:

Prices below include tax

Single: $321.00
Married couple: $385.20
Family: $481.50
Summer league only: $214.00
Fall league only: $80.25

2024 League Prices:

Prices below include tax

Summer league: $30.10
Fall league: $16.05

Green Fees & Cart Rentals:

9 holes of golf: $15
18 holes of golf: $20
9-hole cart rental: $20 + tax
18-hole cart rental: $30 + tax

10x Punch Card

Purchase a 10-time punch card for $125 + tax. Punches may be used for 9 holes of golf or a 9 hole cart rental.

Follow Five Island Golf on Facebook

2024 Daddy Daughter Dance

Saturday, May 4

Join us at The Shores at Five Island on Saturday, May 4 for a special Daddy Daughter Dance! Daughters are invited to bring their dad, uncle, grandpa, or other special guest and dance the night away. There will be a professional DJ, photographer, snacks, refreshments, and a fresh flower for each girl.

Tickets are available at The Shores at Five Island or online for $25/couple and $10 for each additional daughter or special guest. Pre-sale tickets purchased by April 26 will include a flower and treat bag for each girl.

Purchase Tickets

"Sylvia" Opening at Main Street Community Theatre This Friday

Emmetsburg Main Street Community Theatre presents: “Sylvia,” written by A. R. Gurney – a modern romantic comedy about a marriage and a dog.

Performances will be held at 7:30 pm on April 5, 6, 12, & 13. Performances will be held at 2:00 pm on April 7 & 14. All tickets are general admission for $10. The box office opens one hour prior to curtain. Enjoy popcorn and a beverage for a free-will donation – all proceeds support the operation of EMSCT.

*Please note that this comedy features strong language & adult content.

Save the Date: BrewFest

Saturday, August 10

Committee Members Needed

The Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to be on the planning committee for BrewFest 2024 on Saturday, August 10. The committee is working to expand the Iowa beer and wine tasting and add distilleries to the event this year. Enjoy drinks, live music, and good food? Email emmetsburgbrewfest@gmail.com to get involved!

Live Music Featuring Lone Tree Revival

Enjoy live music near the south shore of Five Island Lake while enjoying some adult beverages. This year Lone Tree Revival, an American rock band with a funky back beat and soulful horn section, will be taking the stage from 5:30-9:30pm.

Announcements & Updates

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Friendly Reminders - Roll-Out Garbage Containers

As a reminder, lids of garbage containers must be closed. Additionally, please DO NOT place any garbage on top of the roll-out container. When lids are open or trash is placed on top of the container, garbage can fall out/off onto the ground or get trapped in the truck.

Fence & Building Permits

Planning to build this year? Applications for Fence & Hedge Permit and Applications for Building Permits must be submitted and approved before any construction begins. Application forms are available at www.emmetsburg.com/applicationspermits/. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 712-852-4030.

Planning to Dig?

Whether you're planting a tree or on the job site, your first step is to contact Iowa One Call. You can do this by calling 811 or 1-800-292-8989. You can also file your locate requests online at https://ia.itic.occinc.com/cgi-bin/ia_imenu_server.fcgi.

2024 Seasonal Positions

The City of Emmetsburg and Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities are accepting applications for the following seasonal positions: Seasonal Public Properties Workers, Seasonal Utilities Workers, Seasonal Golf Course Workers, Seasonal Community Center Staff (Bartenders, Banquet Staff, Cooks). Positions open until filled. EOE.

Duties, qualifications, hours or work, and application requirements vary for each position. For more details and/or to obtain application materials, please contact Emmetsburg City Hall: 2021 Main Street, 712-852-4030.

E-Waste Recycling & City Cleanup

Emmetsburg E-waste (Brown Goods) Recycling will be collected on the north side of Highway 18 on Wednesday, April 24 and on the south side of Highway 18 on Thursday, April 25. Items must be at curbside by 7:30 a.m. Contact Shamrock Recycling (Mike Flannegan) at 712-480-4698 with any questions.

Emmetsburg Residential Clean Up Week is scheduled for April 29 - May 3, 2024. A permit is required and must be purchased in advance of your pick up day. Permits can be purchased at City Hall (cash or check only). Your pickup day will correspond with your normal solid waste pickup day.

City-Wide Garage Sales

The Emmetsburg Reporter-Democrat has scheduled city-wide garage sales for May 10 & 11. Please contact the newspaper office for more information: 712-852-2323.

Chamber Office Hours

The Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce business hours will be limited as the Chamber transitions to a new Director.

Chamber Hours:

Monday-Friday 10:00am-2:00pm

Grow Your Career While Growing Your Community

Does a career in community and economic development interest you? Check out these opportunities!

Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

The Emmetsburg Chamber is accepting applications for a full-time Executive Director. The Executive Director’s objective is to work closely with the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and City of Emmetsburg to advance the goals and interests of the community and local businesses, promote business development, encourage unity and cooperation within the community, and enhance quality of life in Emmetsburg.

Click here for more information.

Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation (K/PACEDC) Executive Director

K/PACEDC is conducting a search for a top-tier, high-performing Economic Development Executive Director. This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage with local businesses, government, and community leaders, and implement K/PACEDC's strategic plan for community and economic development within the two-county region.

Click here for more information.