Emmetsburg, thank you for being a strong community. While we watch current events with concern and empathy, we remain thankful that locally we are blessed to live in a community that’s strong and supportive. The world has been hit hard this year, however we will overcome. In heavy times like these, we have the opportunity to reflect on many positive assets of our great community.

• We are a community made of wonderful people that go out of their way to help their neighbor and lift each other up.
• We have a quality healthcare system, and thanks to your efforts, we have not been hit hard by COVID-19.
• We have resilient and caring business owners and local industries that are invested in, and supportive of our community.
• We have beautiful natural and outdoor amenities that we can escape to when we need to re-energize our mind and bodies.

Thank you for helping one another. Thank you for supporting our local businesses. Thank you for doing what it takes to protect the health of the community, even when it means giving up some conveniences and amenities. And a special shout-out to all the essential workers that have risked their own health to serve, protect, and care for our community and to keep our local economy going. You are the true American heroes. With your efforts, combined with the efforts of our community, things are going to return to normal – or at least the "new normal".

Although restrictions have been relaxed statewide and in the community, please continue to be diligent in your efforts to support one another and do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We need to be as careful now as we were when this whole mess started to keep the curve flat, protect our vulnerable community members, and prevent future closures. As warm weather and beautiful Iowa evenings return, it's tempting to let our guard down. Please remember that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. Keep sanitizing and washing your hands often, limit group gatherings, maintain a healthy distance in public places, pay attention to your health and above all, stay at home if you don’t feel well.

Things are different now. No one knows what the "new normal" will be. I'm overwhelmingly confident Emmetsburg will continue to be the thriving, friendly community we've proven to be. Our golf course, parks, campgrounds and cabins are all now open. Our trails and lake are bustling. It’s a welcome sight to see residents and visitors enjoying our community.

Not long ago we got a glimpse of barren streets and limited activity downtown. We knew that was not our future. Let’s overwhelm our businesses with support now as they begin to open their doors. Please make the effort to shop locally and support our local economy whenever you can. Buy groceries in town. Buy gifts in town. Order meals from local restaurants and utilize our talented local service providers. Supporting our local economy now is crucial to protect the future vitality of our community.

And speaking of the future, congratulations to Class of 2020! We are proud of you, and we look forward to your future successes. Ask yourself every day how you can improve this world and have the courage to act on it. You are our future. As you leave your home and choose your own path, we hope that path leads back to Emmetsburg.

Closed July 3
City Hall and Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. 

Summer Reading Program
Sign up for the summer reading program for preschool through 4th grade begins today, Tuesday June 9th! Tables will be set up outside the main Library entrance this week from 11:00 am-1:00 pm so you can pick up materials, or you may call the library anytime for curbside pickup. If you have any questions, please call the Emmetsburg Public Library at 852-4009. Hope to see you this week!

Use of Fireworks Prohibited in Emmetsburg

Emmetsburg City Code 41.12 Prohibits the use of fireworks within the City limits.

Although Iowa Code now allows the sale and use of fireworks in Iowa, the City of Emmetsburg has not adopted the changes. Although fireworks are sold in Emmetsburg, you are not allowed to use them in town. We understand the confusion and offer a brief explanation:

The City Emmetsburg has the right to enforce restrictions on the sale of fireworks, but the City may not prohibit the sale of fireworks altogether. This is why permits with requirements/ restrictions must be approved by the City of Emmetsburg before a company may offer fireworks for sale. The City does have the authority to maintain the Code as written which prohibits the use of fireworks within the City limits. The criminal act of violating this Code is a Simple Misdemeanor. When you purchase fireworks, you must take them outside the City limits to use.

Please enjoy a safe and healthy 4th of July celebration, and please abide by Emmetsburg City Code 41.12. For more information or questions, contact the Emmetsburg Police Department at 712-852-2424.

There will be Fireworks over Five Island Lake in Emmetsburg at dusk on July 4, and we are so excited to celebrate this tradition!

Each year, the Chamber seeks donations in support of the fireworks from local businesses, organizations and our citizens. Last year over $7,000 was raised through private donations. We could use your help! Would you consider making a heart-felt donation this year toward this worthy cause?

All donations are tax-deductible and can be dropped off at either City Hall (2021 Main) or the Chamber office (1121 Broadway). Checks made payable to “Fireworks Fund” can be mailed to: Emmetsburg City Hall, % Fireworks Fund, PO Box 417, Emmetsburg, IA 50536. Donors will be recognized in the Emmetsburg Reporter/Democrat.

Due to concerns for the health and safety of our community during the coronavirus, there will be no daytime Fun on the Fourth activities in Soper Park. Thank you for your understanding and look for these to be back in 2021.

Deb Hite

Director, Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce
712.852.2283

Emmetsburg.com/

COVID19

Visit the COVID-19 page on the City of Emmetsburg website for most up to date information regarding COVID-19 including city notices and closures/openings, financial programs and assistance for businesses, unemployment information, and more.

Emmetsburg parks, including basketball courts and playground equipment, are open with the following guidelines:

• Campers must be self-contained
• Picnic tables limited to 50% capacity
  
• Limit number of individuals in groups or on playground equipment/courts to 10 or fewer
• Public restrooms will remain closed
• Park equipment is not sanitized, use at 
  your own risk
• Signs promoting social distancing posted

Cabins Open 

The cabins at Five Island Campground are open to guests with the same guidelines/restrictions as campgrounds.

Library
The Emmetsburg Public Library is re-open to the public on a limited, appointment-only basis. Patrons will be allowed to visit the library in person to browse the collection and use other in-library services. The following restrictions will apply to this phase of re-opening:

• All patrons and staff must wear a mask or cloth that covers their nose and mouth while they are in the library.

• Patrons should observe rules of social distancing (leaving at least 6 feet of space between others) and obey any directional signs posted in the facility.

• Five patrons will be allowed in the library at a time. Appointments must be made by telephone or email (712-852-4009 | info@emmetsburg.lib.ia.us). Appointments will be available in 15-minute increments.

• Visits will be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes, once per day, and we respectfully request that patrons use the time to browse the collection or use other library services rather than to meet with others or socialize with staff.

• At this time, the college building remains locked at Entrance 22. Please call the library when you arrive for your appointment to be let inside.

• Please keep in mind that the college has only authorized public access to the facility for Wellness Center and library purposes. Please do not attempt to access other parts of the building during your visit.
• Please continue to use the curbside bookdrop for all returns. Do not return items inside with you.
• The library continues to offer curbside service, and we recommend this option.

Business Assistance 

If you have questions about available resources for business affected by COVID-19, contact Gretchen Reichter, the City of Emmetsburg Marketing & Retail Coordinator at 712-415-1142.

News Updates from Governor Kim Reynolds

Iowa Department of Public Health - COVID-19 Case Data

Small Business Development Center - Business Assistance

Iowa Workforce Development - Unemployment Information

Iowa Economic Development Authority - Business Programs and Resources