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Join us TONIGHT at the 2nd Annual Community Showcase! |
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The City of Emmetsburg and Emmetsburg Community School District, in partnership with the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce and ISU Extension and Outreach Palo Alto County, are hosting the second annual Community Showcase TONIGHT from 5:00-8:30 PM at The Shores at Five Island. Come check out all that Emmetsburg has to offer: activities, groups, services, products, charities, businesses, churches, and more.
A free hamburger meal will be served from 5:00-7:00 PM (or until gone), thanks to contributions from Palo Alto County Health System, K&W Electric, and Hughes, Brennan & Wirtz. Additionally, kids' crafts, activities, and face painting will be offered during the event. Don't miss it!
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Shop Small Season is Coming!
Shop
Small
and Make a Big Difference |
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Thanksgiving is almost here which means Small Business Saturday and the holiday shopping season are quickly approaching. The City of Emmetsburg and Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce are teaming up again this year to offer a Shop Small Season Challenge to encourage residents to “Shop Small” and “Shop Local” not only on Small Business Saturday, but throughout the entire holiday season. We've created a Shop Small Season calendar with daily challenges/inspiration for residents to buy from small/local businesses. The calendar will span from Small Business Saturday (November 26th) through Christmas Eve (December 24th). Look forward to challenges like buying a bouquet of flowers, getting or scheduling a hair cut, eating at a local restaurant, purchasing a gift card, going to holiday show/concert, and much more.
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Pick up a Shop Small Season Challenge calendar at the Emmetsburg Chamber office or local businesses beginning on Small Business Saturday, and start completing challenges. When you complete a challenge box, have the store manager or staff member sign inside the designated box on the calendar. While we encourage everyone to keep shopping and supporting local businesses throughout the entire holiday season, participants may choose to complete challenges in any order or at any time during the Shop Small Season.
It pays to shop! Participants with as few as one completed challenge or as many as twenty-nine completed challenges will be entered to win cash prizes (Chamber Bucks)! The more you shop, the more you can win. Return your Shop Small Season calendar to the Chamber office on or before January 3rd. If you complete 1-5 challenges, your name will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks. If you complete 6-10 challenges, your name will be placed in a drawing for $100 in Chamber Bucks. If you complete 10-15 challenges, your name will be placed in a drawing for $200 in Chamber Bucks. And if you complete 16 or more challenges, your name will be placed in a drawing for $250 in Chamber Bucks.
Local businesses are already gearing up for the busy holiday shopping season - hosting holiday open houses and events, offering sales and specials, and extending their hours. Blossoming Creations announced earlier this week that they'll be open late each Thursday leading up to Christmas. This week is Tasty Thursday until 7:00 PM. The Willow Tree Garden Center is also spicing things up by offering evening and weekend classes where you can make wintergreen centerpieces, scarf wreaths, spruce top planters, standing porch gnomes, and more. These are just a few examples of holiday retail activity in Emmetsburg. Watch Facebook and the Emmetsburg Reporter-Democrat to see more upcoming events and specials. Additionally, be sure to follow the City of Emmetsburg and Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to get updates on the Shop Small Season Challenge calendar promotion.
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City & EMU Announcements
City Hall & EMU Closed November 24 & 25
Emmetsburg City Hall and Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities will be closed on November 24-25th in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. Thursday's solid waste route will be picked up early on Wednesday, November 23rd. Friday's solid waste route will be picked up on Monday, November 28th.
City Accepting Catalyst Grant Pre-Applications
The City of Emmetsburg has the opportunity to partner with a local property owner to apply for a $100,000 Catalyst grant, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, which assists with the redevelopment or rehabilitation of downtown buildings. The City is accepting pre-applications from property owners that would like to be considered for this grant through November 18th. Visit https://emmetsburg.com/news-posts/city-accepting-pre-applications-for-community-catalyst-grant-program/ for details.
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Got Time & Talents?
Message from the Emmetsburg Chamber
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The seasons are changing, and there is no end to what needs to be done at the Emmetsburg Chamber over the weeks and months ahead. The Chamber office is a buzz with holiday decorating, event preparations, Chamber buck sales, annual dues invoicing and more. It is a reminder that this office really needs the assistance of some volunteers!
If you are newly retired and have some talents to share three hours a week, give us a try. We need friendly voices to answer the phone and receive visitors to the office. Computer knowledge is helpful to Google search phone numbers and to make business referrals in our community. Other examples are tree decorating, preparing mailers and Chamber bucks; perhaps creating roll up slides, scrapbooking, or just watching the office as I go out to visit our member business owners or attend meetings without leaving the office vacant.
If you are someone who enjoys interacting with people and can work independently, let’s talk! There’s no heavy lifting and no worries about going out in bad weather. If school is cancelled, the office is closed. Please call Deb at 712-852-2283 or email at eburgchamber@kemb.org.
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We Need Your Input - Community Surveys!
Emmetsburg Housing Needs Survey
Housing was identified as a priority area during the City of Emmetsburg's strategic planning effort in 2021. The community was selected as a grant recipient for the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment (RHRA) Program and is now working with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development to assess Emmetsburg's housing needs and make informed decisions to address housing needs, challenges, and development opportunities. The program guides communities in considering options that ensure existing and potential residents are able to find safe, secure, and quality housing that meets their needs and fits within their budgets.
A part of this process is conducting a housing survey to gain insight for upcoming strategic planning sessions that will create a vision and action plan to address housing needs. All responses are anonymous, but your feedback will be used to incorporate your ideas and opinions into the planning process. This survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Your participation is important and greatly appreciated.
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Child Care Needs Survey
Child care has been identified as an urgent need in the Emmetsburg area. To better understand the need so that potential solutions can be identified, ISU Extension and Outreach Palo Alto County, with assistance from First Children’s Finance (FCF), is participating in a child care study and we need your help! A part of the study is conducting a child care needs survey to gain feedback from those that live or work in the area and currently have children age 12 or younger, or are planning to have or adopt children in the next 5 years. This survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will help inform decisions about child care in Emmetsburg.
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Thanksgiving Keeping Traditions Alive!
A Message from the Emmetsburg Police Department
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The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 over a three day harvest festival. Thanksgiving today means getting together with family and friends, watching football, and eating a big turkey dinner. Millions of Americans will hit the roads to gather and celebrate Thanksgiving, and this may mean more crashes. Let’s keep the traditions alive by remembering simple facts about safe driving.
From November 15 - 28, 2022, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to enforce the traffic laws and remind drivers that safe driving is an easy way to keep the Thanksgiving traditions alive.
- Safe driving should take place as your first and only priority when behind the wheel. Driving is a full time job which requires every driver’s complete attention. Driving distracted can lead to deadly consequences.
- Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today. Be attentive and put the phone down.
- Every driver should, without fail, buckle up, drive sober, and follow all the rules of the road…… every trip, every time! Using your safety belt and driving sober are two simple tasks drivers can do to save lives.
- Driving impaired is costly and can be deadly. In 2020, one person was killed every 45 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation’s roads. Rideshare, taking the keys or, even better, planning ahead can prevent impaired driving and still allow everyone to have a good time.
- When you wear your seatbelt, as a front-seat occupant of a passenger car, your risk of fatal injury goes down by 45%. Seatbelts save lives!
- Drivers should consistently be watchful of unsafe drivers and their surroundings. Being a defensive driver will allow you to react to avoid crashes, dangerous situations and can save you money and more importantly, your life.
- In 2021, there were 707 crashes and 33 deaths on Iowa roadways in which exceeding the speed limit was the cause. Speed is something we can all control. Obey the speed limit to save lives!
In Iowa during peak Thanksgiving travel times, between November 15, 2021 and November 28, 2021, eleven people lost their lives on Iowa’s roadways. Even one life lost is too many!
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What's Happening at the Library?
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"Oh, Jackie O.!"
November 10 | 7:00-8:00 PM
A provocative and delightful original solo musical written, directed by and starring Jillann Gabrielle, who has previously performed as Princess Di at the library. Refreshments provided. Free and open to the public!
Preschool Storytime
November 14 | 10:30-11:00 AM
Bring your preschool-aged children to the library for a half-hour of books, stories and crafts. This week's theme is "'D' is for Dinosaur." No registration required.
Wacky Wednesday Fun Day
November 16 | 1:30 PM
Join the children's librarian for a fun afterschool program for children in Kindergarten through 4th grade. This month's theme is "Let's Build." No registration required.
Wild in the Stacks!
November 16 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Tweens are invited to an early-out program where they get to indulge in games that are normally forbidden in the library. Hide-and-seek, relays... who knows what they will be allowed to get up to?! Ages 10 & up. Refreshments provided. Sign up in advance.
Preschool Storytime
November 21 | 10:30-11:30 AM
Bring your preschool-aged children to the library for a half-hour of books, stories and crafts. This week's theme is "'T' is for Turkey." No registration required.
Make Your Own Friendship Bracelet
November 22 | 2:30-4:00 PM
Tweens are invited to come learn how to make their own friendship bracelets. Materials and refreshments provided. Please sign up in advance.
Retro Gaming Day
November 23 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Tweens and teens are invited to a program where they can check out what their parents--and maybe even grandparents--called video games. Everything from the Joust arcade game up through Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U may be available for play. Ages 10 and up. Refreshments provided. Please sign up in advance.
GAMELab
November 25 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Tweens and teens are invited to the library to learn and play a board game from the library's extensive collection. Participants will be trying their hand at the bluffing game "Sheriff of Nottingham." Refreshments will be served. Ages 12 & up. Register in advance.
Gaming After Hours
November 26 | 2:30-5:00 PM
Come learn a new board game from the library's extensive collection. From noob to expert, all are welcome to attend. This week, we will be giving Lost Cities: the Board Game a final tilt. With sufficient numbers and interest, anything is game, though. Refreshments provided. Registration not required.
Preschool Storytime
November 28 | 10:30-11:30 AM
Bring your preschool-aged children to the library for a half-hour of books, stories and crafts. This week's theme is "'O' is for Ocean." No registration required.
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Afterschool Homework Help
Monday-Thursday at 3:45 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library
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VFW Bingo
Every Monday - Light meal at 5:30 PM and regular BINGO from 6:45-9:00 PM @ Emmetsburg VFW |
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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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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 at 3:45 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library, Room 14
Except November 11 |
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Emmetsburg Community Life Serve Blood Drive
Nov 9 from 12:00-4:30 PM @ VFW
To schedule call 800-287-4903, text LIFESERVE to 999-777 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org. |
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2nd Annual Community Showcase
Nov 9 from 5:00-8:30 PM @ The Shores at Five Island |
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PACHS Prevent Diabetes Program
Nov 10 at 6:00 PM @ PACHS Health Ed Room |
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Oh, Jackie O.! - Solo Musical
Nov 10 from 7:00-8:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Veterans Day - City Hall, EMU, Public Library Closed
Nov 11 |
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Chamber Coffee Hosted by VFW
Nov 11 from 9:30-10:00 AM @ Emmetsburg VFW |
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Veterans Day Program
Nov 11 at 10:00 AM @ Emmetsburg VFW |
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Palo Alto Sportsmen’s Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet and Fundraiser
Nov 11 - 5:00-8:00 PM Social | 7:00-8:00 PM Buffet Dinner | 8:00 PM Live Auction | @ Wild Rose Casino
Tickets available from Julia Rolston at 712-260-2989 or Roger Hankey at 712-298-2798. |
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Emmetsburg Rotary Club Trivia Night Fundraiser
Nov 12 at 7:00 PM @ Emmetsburg VFW
$75 for a table of up to six people or $15 for individuals at the door. Cash bar by the VFW with popcorn available or bring your own snacks. Grand Prize is $100 with prizes for second and third places. Pre-register your team at Hughes Pharmacy. All proceeds go to the Emmetsburg Rotary Club Scholarship Fund. |
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First United Methodist Church Annual Harvest Dinner and Auction
Nov 13 at 11:30 AM @ Family Life Center |
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" - Classics at the Riviera
Nov 13 at 4:30 PM @ Riviera Theatre |
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Preschool Storytime - "D is for Dinosaur"
Nov 14 from 10:30-11:00 AM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Mobile Food Pantry
Nov 15 (1st and 3rd Tuesdays) from 5:00-6:30 PM @ Grace Church |
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Wacky Wednesday Fun Day - "Let's Build"
Nov 16 at 1:30 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Downsizing for Senior Living - Tips for moving into a smaller space
Nov 16 from 2:00-3:00 PM @ ISU Extension & Outreach Palo Alto County
There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is appreciated by calling 712-852-2865 |
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Open House Soup Supper & Tour @ Grace Estates
Nov 17 from 4:30-6:30 PM @ Grace Estates by Lakeside
RSVP not required but appreciated to Donna 712-852-4060 |
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Palo Alto County Hospital Auxiliary Coffee and Bake Sale
Nov 18 from 9:30-10:30 @ PACHS Health Ed Room |
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Bethany Lutheran Harvest Soup Dinner
Nov 20 from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM |
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Community Thanksgiving Church Service @ Bethany Lutheran
Nov 20 at 7:00 PM @ Bethany Lutheran Church |
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Preschool Storytime - "T is for Turkey"
Nov 21 from 10:30-11:00 AM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Retro Gaming Day
Nov 22 from 2:00-4:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Make Your Own Friendship Bracelet
Nov 22 from 2:30-4:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Thanksgiving - City Hall, EMU, Public Library Closed
Nov 24 |
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City Hall & EMU Closed
Nov 25 |
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Small Business Saturday
Nov 26 @ Participating businesses |
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Gaming After Hours
Nov 26 from 2:30-5:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Preschool Storytime - "O is for Ocean"
Nov 21 from 10:30-11:00 AM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Bethany Lutheran Church’s Annual Scandinavian Bake Sale
Nov 30 from 1:00-3:00 PM @ Bethany Lutheran Church basement |
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The Emmetsburg newsletter is produced by the City of Emmetsburg Marketing & Retail Coordinator. |
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