The exterior renovation of City Hall is nearly complete! The multi-year project, consisting of new façade treatment, windows, lights, signage, and ADA access to Council Chambers, was a much-needed functional and aesthetic improvement to the City’s administrative building.

Rather than constructing a new building and leaving a vacant space downtown, the decision was made to fix the issues with the building and give it a fresh, clean look. City Administrator Kim Kibbie said, “The City and EMU both felt that it was important to serve as an example for other property owners by keeping up the appearance of our building and making necessary improvements. The best way to lead is to lead by example.”

The project was initiated three years ago and was included in the 19-20 and 20-21 City budgets. The project cost was split 50/50 between the City of Emmetsburg and Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities. The City portion was paid for entirely by grant funds through Palo Alto County Gaming Development Commission (PACGDC).

Construction started last fall work on the back and east sides of the building. After the DOT sidewalk project was completed this spring, Dan Cooper Builders Inc. was able to complete façade work on the front and west side of the building. New windows, brick and commercial paneling, and goose-neck lighting were installed. The last piece of the project is exterior signage. This semester high school Industrial Technology students are using a laser cutter to create a custom steel sign for the building. Superintendent Darren Hanna said, “We are excited about this opportunity. Connecting learning inside of school to real-life applications outside of school is key in preparing our students for life past high school. This is another great example of the benefits that can be realized when we work together as a community.”

Flushing Hydrants

Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities will be flushing fire hydrants on October 6th, 7th, and 8th. We encourage all residents to check their water before doing laundry.

Dockside is Hiring

The City of Emmetsburg seeks to hire additional part-time bartenders, servers, and cooks for Dockside Lounge/The Shores at Five Island Community Center. Stop in to The Shores to pick up an application and/or to talk to Sarah Vonnahme, Community Center Director. Positions open until filled. EOE

Illegal Dumping

REMINDER: It is illegal to dump waste (household trash, yard waste, appliances, or other garbage) into dumpsters on public property (i.e. at parks or city buildings) or private property without the owner’s permission.

Fire Department MDA Fundraiser

For years firefighters have been Filling the Boot on street corners to fight back against muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases. This year, the Emmetsburg Fire Department's annual MDA fundraiser has gone virtual! Help fill the boot online at https://filltheboot.donordrive.com/team/EmmetsburgFire

The Emmetsburg Chamber is very excited to announce a Gift Card promotion that will benefit the consumer with money saved and our businesses with quick cash. The promotion will begin at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, September 17 and end when all the cards are sold.

Here is how it works:

1. Customers purchase $30 gift card/certificates to specific businesses of their choice for just $20 through the Chamber’s website at ww.emmetsburg.com/chamber or in-person at the Chamber Office.
2. There are 1000 gift cards available. Sale will begin Noon on September 17 and will end when all are sold.
3. Each customer is limited to 5 gift cards and will choose from the list of 25 participating businesses.
4. The customer will place their order and pre-pay the Chamber for their purchase. 
5. Orders will be processed and may be picked up at the Chamber or be mailed to customers by September 25, 2020.

Special appreciation goes to AGP for sponsoring this promotion. Shara Schmeling, Regional Merchandising Manager for AGP called one day to ask if the Chamber had any programs to benefit the businesses that had been adversely affected by the coronavirus. This was the promotion I was interested in but as was expressed to Shara, the Chamber needed a sponsor that would cover the $10 difference between the sale and the value of the card. Shara replied that AGP would like to be that sponsor and would be sending a check for $10,000! AGP has provided tremendous support to the Emmetsburg Chamber over the 21 years they have been in Emmetsburg and we cannot thank them enough for all they do for our community.

Participating Chamber member businesses are: A Heavenly Celebration, Blossoming Creations, Burns Chiropractic, Celtics Liquor Store, Courageous Life Counseling, Cuts Unlimited, Dairy Queen, DejaBrew LLC, Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant, Dyno’s Convenience Store, Fareway, Hughes HealthMart Pharmacy, Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh, Kirby’s Café, Munn Massage Therapy & Bodyworks (Retail only), NAPA, Once Again Consignments, Northland Auto and Marine, Pizza Ranch, Rooney’s Auto, Second Image Boutique, Shamrock Lanes, St. Pat’s Irish Gift Shop, Swanson Hardware, The Willow Tree Garden Center, Woodford Equipment, and Wessels Oil Co.

Deb Hite

Director, Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce
712.852.2283

Palo Alto Sheriff and Emmetsburg Police receive product from Project Hope

The Kossuth and Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation has been providing hope and relief to children, teens, and adults who have been removed from their homes or in need of assistance through their annual project called, “Project Hope”.

This year’s Project Hope Weeks were declared from June 22 to July 3 by both the Kossuth and Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors.

The personal hygiene items collected were delivered to the local departments and organizations working with people in need of help. Because of this, Project Hope is able to provide an even greater sense of relief to people in need, and the community. On behalf of K/PACEDC Board of Directors and staff, thank you to Dollar General, Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, Iowa Lakes Electric, Central Financial Group, Erpelding, Voigt & Co., Farmers State Bank, Pharmacists Mutual and Smithfield Hog Production for your continued support and generosity to help provide to those in need by supporting Project Hope.