I am proud of Emmetsburg, and I am excited to be part of the on-going growth within our community. We are fortunate to be blessed with many recreational amenities within our community including beautiful Five Island Lake, FIT Trails, golf course, parks, campgrounds, and cabins. We have outstanding medical and educational systems located in Emmetsburg. Along with our local businesses who are committed to serving our community, our citizens continue to volunteer their time serving on community boards, fundraising, and supporting our local economy. We are so fortunate to be blessed with all of these things!

As City Administrator, one of my goals is to encourage everyone to show their community pride! We can do this by continuing our efforts to show case our community, keeping our properties mowed and clean, supporting our local businesses, and supporting our E-Hawks! The City of Emmetsburg and Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities continue to invest in our community to encourage future growth. If we continue to focus on the positive, our PRIDE will shine brightly!

Patrick Degen - Mayor
I have always been impressed by the way so many people from Emmetsburg and the surrounding areas step up to support each other and the interests of the community. I see this in the positive response to local fundraisers, as well the many benefits that have been organized over the years for those who have fallen on troubled times. I see strong community support for business and industry, as well as pride in our local schools and community college.

Mike Hermansen - Councilman, Ward 1
Much of the decision for Pam and I to return to Emmetsburg during retirement years was centered around Community Pride. We have traveled to many places during our working years but always knew we would come home to Emmetsburg. We have excellent public and parochial education offered in Emmetsburg, and Iowa Lakes Community College furthers the opportunities for our young. There’s a lot to appreciate in Emmetsburg: medical facilities, parks and recreation, hunting, fishing, photography, boating, flying, tractor rides, volunteer organizations, veteran organizations, agriculture organizations… The list goes on and on. Pam and I show our community pride by promoting the local economy and organizations benefiting the less fortunate.

Ryan Berkland - Councilman, Ward 2
As an Emmetsburg resident and business owner for almost fifteen years, my wife and I certainly appreciate all of the various offerings within the city. Whether it be excellent primary, secondary, and/or post-secondary education, the lake, our parks, restaurants, the golf course, casino, community theater, or wide variety of small to large businesses, Emmetsburg has something to offer to anyone who lives in the community. The progress that I have seen since we’ve moved here is simply amazing. As an elected representative of Ward 2, I look forward to many more years of continued forward thinking and progress.

Brian Malm - Councilman, Ward 3
I am proud to live in Emmetsburg because of the ongoing opportunities in the area. The whole community works hard to provide youth activities, new businesses, healthcare facilities, beautiful lakeside scenery and so much more. I like to say we are living in the biggest little town around.

Todd Bell - Councilman, Ward 4
I am proud to live in Emmetsburg. I was offered a job here thirty years ago, and the people and community kept us here. We enjoy the lake, the small town attitude, and close friends. I show my pride by volunteering on different boards and projects.

Steve Finer - Councilman, At-Large
Emmetsburg has small town values, traditions, and community pride. It’s a community that cares about each other. When someone is sick or struggling, the whole town rallies to help. Emmetsburg is a safe town where you can send your children to school, outside to play, or to the park and not have to worry if they will return home safely.

Bill Burdick, Jr. - Councilman, At-Large
I'm proud of growing a small business here and being able to give back to our community. Since being elected, I have learned that a community runs on the true volunteerism of many people on our city boards. I am proud to be part of the City Council and pave the way for future generations of people that will grow up in Emmetsburg.

Trick or Treat

The City of Emmetsburg will not be placing restrictions on Halloween trick-or-treating. The official trick-or-treat time will be from 4:30-6:30 PM on Saturday, October 31st. If you would like to receive trick-or-treaters, please turn your porch light on.

For those that wish to participate, we recommend you take precautions to protect the health of your family and community. (View health safety information on our City website and Facebook page.)

Please be extra vigilant for the little ghost and goblins that will we be out trick-or-treating.of the building during your visit.

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

The Archery Shop & Range

Abby and Justin Burns opened The Archery Shop & Range on September 21st. This new business offers a 30+ yard archery range plus retail items including archery bows, targets, arrows, hunting items, coozies and more. Abby and Justin have created a family-friendly environment, and their goal is to provide a safe, fun, and relaxing environment for anyone to come enjoy. Archers may use the range by signing up for a monthly or annual membership or paying by the hour. Abby and Justin have enjoyed the excitement and happiness that their new business has produced, and they’re having fun meeting new people - both visitors and locals they haven’t met before.
Showing community pride: Abby said they’ll be providing a range (no pun intended) of community activities and joining in events as they come up. They support and promote other businesses in town, as it is important to show pride in what others do around town.

Emerald Isle Tattoo

While Emerald Isle Tattoo has been operating in Emmetsburg for over a decade, the shop recently found a new home in Emmetsburg’s downtown district. Emerald Isle is a tattoo parlor that provides award-winning, custom, permanent artwork as well as body piercings and a small selection of various fun and unique retail items. Pete Ringlaben, owner, loves our little community and is proud to offer their services. Over the last decade they’d serviced thousands of clients from not only our surrounding area, but also many states. Pete said it has always been a lot of fun to be a part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Pete said it’s been a great honor to hear many amazing stories and share countless memories with their clients.
Showing community pride: Emerald Isle stands behind our community and is very proud to be a part of Emmetsburg. They continuously support good causes when they receive donation requests.

Free Spirit Nest

Samantha Ergen and Ginger Holt, a mother-daughter duo, opened the Free Spirit Nest on the first of this month. They offer earth energy crystals, crystal light therapy, natural bath and body goods, crystal jewelry, interior plants, home decor, and much more. So far Samantha and Ginger have enjoyed talking with everyone that has stopped in to their new storefront downtown. They have loved hearing stories and sharing experiences, from crystal beginners to advanced, and they’re happy to help find something that soothes your soul.
Showing community pride: Samantha said they strongly believe in bringing people together in the community to advocate, share, and support one another. The Free Spirit Nest is seeking educators, specialists, or passionate people to teach future classes in alternative health and wellness for the mind, body, and spirit. Reach out to them if you have a unique skill that would fit the Free Spirit lifestyle.

The Glass Shop

Laura Wheeler-Plantz purchased the business from Lee Beem and started moving to the new location on Highway 18 in August. The Glass Shop offers a variety of products and services including residential window and screen repair, polycarbonate, new stained glass pieces and stained glass repair, custom stained glass - from sun-catchers to full stained glass windows, and stained glass supplies for stained glass hobbyists. Laura has been humbled by the customer and community support she has received, and she appreciates everyone’s kind comments. Laura’s vision is for The Glass Shop to be a family business, both family run and where customers are treated like family. She said in small communities like ours, we are all family.
Showing community pride: Laura dotes on our wonderful community to whomever will listen. She has always been proud to be a member of the community and now to be a business owner here too!

Go Foam It Pros

Bill Burdick, Jr. has been back in his hometown since 2010, growing the GoGutters business and now adding a spray foam operation, Go Foam It Pros, earlier this summer. Go Foam It Pros specializes in open- and closed-cell spray foam for new construction, remodels, and agricultural buildings. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is extremely efficient

insulation and will save you 30-40% on your heating and cooling expenses. It also create a sound barrier to help cut down noise outside and inside between rooms, has fireproofing properties, and prevents moisture.
Showing community pride: The Burdicks have always supported our community through donations and volunteering in the community. In the last year alone they donated gutters to the police station and replaced several flags around the community with their bucket truck.

Hofstad Signs

Kay Hofstad has been painting signs for 40 years and has had a sign business since 1990. Now she’s opening a storefront in downtown Emmetsburg tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14! The business offers hand-painted lettering on anything from trucks and boats to picture frames or windows. Kay says sign painting is a dying art. She’s had a home studio for years, but now she’ll be able to display her work. She wants people to know how versatile and creative her work is, and she is looking forward to creating things for many people. Kay plans on having events at the shop for most holidays.
Showing community pride: Kay was born and raised here and knows many people in the community. Her parents were business owners in Emmetsburg, and she raised her children here. She’s very proud of that and looks forward to helping people in the community.

Mama Nellie's Pizzeria

Kevin and Heidi Kane opened Mama Nellie’s Pizzeria in the back of the former Main Street Memories Mall building on the corner of Broadway and Main on August 3rd of this year. In addition to hand-tossed pizzas, Mama Nellie’s offers pizza by the slice, pasta and breadsticks, subs and other tasty Italian handhelds, and more is coming soon! Fresh dough is made from scratch every morning, and when you place an order at the counter you can watch the Mama Nellie’s team make your meal from beginning to end right in front of you. Kevin and Heidi have enjoyed meeting new people, seeing regular customers, and having people from surrounding communities come try their foods.
Showing community pride: Kevin and Heidi want to serve the community by maintaining quality service and products.