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City of Emmetsburg Newsletter
Read what's going on in Emmetsburg this month 
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It's hard to believe the summer is ending, and the first day of school has already arrived. We look back at many community events, good times and memories made during the summer months, and we look forward to the new school year.
There's a tangible excitement as school buses once again populate the streets, and the sounds of laughter and companionship echo through the air. As the community rallies around its young scholars, a feeling of rejuvenation and expectation sweeps through, marking these first days and weeks of school as a cherished and eagerly awaited time of the year.
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Emmetsburg Community School District |
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Welcome to the start of the new school year! We look forward to educating all the students here at Emmetsburg CSD. What’s new for students this year at Emmetsburg?
First and foremost, the district is upgrading the safety of their facilities. This would include a new camera system at West, new mass communication device for all staff, door alarms/sensors, and classroom door locking mechanisms in case of an intruder. You will also notice new signage outside and inside the Middle School/High School campus.
Second, you will notice our new video board that has been installed at the football field. This project was completed and funded with donations from 12 area businesses. The video board will be used in our digital marketing classes. The students can create their own content to be displayed during all of our football and track events.
Another new opportunity for our students this year is E-Sports. We competed in our probationary season at the end of the last school year. The E-Sport students made state in their first attempt and are hoping to advance again while competing in each of the three upcoming seasons.
Finally, the district is always looking for ways to provide information to the public. We have an app that can be downloaded to keep track of all the happenings in the district. Please use these QR codes to access the download.
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E-hawk App (for Apple devices): |
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E-hawk App (for Android devices): |
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We look forward to helping our students grow and serve our community. It’s a great time to be part of the E-hawk nation!
Thank you,
Mr. Cory Jenness
Emmetsburg CSD Superintendent
cjenness@e-hawks.org
712-852-3201
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City Announcements & Updates |
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Labor Day Closure / Garbage Pickup
Emmetsburg City Hall, Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities, and the Emmetsburg Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 4 in honor of Labor Day. Monday's solid waste route will be collected on Tuesday, September 5. |
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Animal Licenses
If a pet is found in town, an animal license enables the City of Emmetsburg to quickly locate/notify the owner. The annual license fee is $5 for each male or female dog, and $3 for each neutered dog. After May 1, an additional $1 delinquent fee applies. To license your dog, you must bring your current veterinarian’s rabies vaccination certificate to City Hall. Emmetsburg City Code, Chapter 56.02, states that every owner of a dog over the age of six months shall procure a dog license. |
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Natural Gas Safety Survey
Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities is working with a third party to conduct an annual natural gas safety survey via telephone. Customers may receive a call from the EMU telephone number (712-852-2550). No return call is necessary. |
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3rd Annual Scarecrow Stroll & Contest
Message from the Emmetsburg Chamber
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Help decorate our town for fall - sign up to participate in the Chamber's Scarecrow Contest! All businesses, groups, and residents - downtown or elsewhere - are invited to enter. There will be one winner in the business/commercial category and one winner in the residential category. Contact the Chamber at 712-852-2283 or eburgchamber@kemb.org to enter. Straw will be available in the Chamber garage in early September for contestants to use to build their scarecrows. All scarecrows must be in place by 10:00 AM on Friday, September 29. Late entries will not be included on the ballot.
The Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce invites you to stroll through town to view Scarecrow Contest entries and to vote for your favorites! Starting September 29th, a map of entries and pictures of all scarecrow entries will be available for viewing on the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Voting will be open from September 29 to October 5. Cast one vote for your favorite business scarecrow and one vote for your favorite residential scarecrow in person at the Chamber office (1121 Broadway St) or online at www.tinyurl.com/2023ScarecrowVote. The winning business and winning residence will each receive $150 in Chamber bucks! Winners will be announced on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page on Friday, October 6.
Stroll through town during the Chamber's Choctoberfest event on Thursday, October 5th from 4:00-7:00pm. Participating retailers and businesses will be open with extended hours, special sales, door prize drawings, and chocolate treats. Keep an eye on the Chamber's Facebook page for more details!
Deb Hite, Director
Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce
712-852-2283
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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over |
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During the Labor Day holiday period, including the end of summertime and the busy holiday weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside the law enforcement community in Emmetsburg to decrease impaired driving.
From August 18 through September 4, the Emmetsburg Police Department is participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement period. In support of the law enforcement community's dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, you'll see officers working together during this time to take drunk drivers off the roads. No matter how you plan to celebrate the end of summer this year, make sure you plan to do it safely.
According to NHTSA, 13,384 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2021 - that's one person every 39 minutes. On average, more than 11,000 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes each year from 2017 to 2021. This is why the Emmetsburg Police Department is working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal; it's a matter of life and death. As you head out to festivities during the end of summer and Labor Day weekend, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver.
Remember: A few dollars spent on a ride home is a lot cheaper than a DUI, which can cost up to $10,000. Something else to consider: Don't ever be too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride. Allowing a sober driver to help you get home safely keeps you and others safe. What's more embarrassing than asking for a sober ride home? Spending the night in jail. Having your car impounded. Losing your job or your security clearance. Take your pick.
Emmetsburg Police Department
712-852-2424
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City Grant Projects
Fueled by PACGDC Funds
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Each city in Palo Alto County is fortunate to receive grant funds from the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation (PACGDC) annually to reinvest into our county and communities. In March, PACGDC awarded the City of Emmetsburg $367,000 in grant funds. Funds have been spread across multiple departments and impact areas. Below is a list of projects in the works this calendar year.
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- Airport fuel system
- Cemetery mapping software
- Community center banquet tables, restaurant equipment (freezers, oven, griddle), security cameras, outdoor ceremony chairs and storage shed, and paved greenspace aisle and garden beds
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- Fire department extrication equipment (cutter and spreader)
- Library youth services
- Parks lawn mower and splash pad funding
- Police speed sign, squad car laptops, computer, and printer
- Public properties road use truck
- Public safety enhancements [Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) school crosswalks]
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Business Resources
Do you have a dream of owning your own business? Turn that dream into a reality!
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Starting a business is an exhilarating journey that demands passion, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination. It begins with a compelling idea or an innovative product that holds the potential to captivate a target market. Crafting a comprehensive business plan, outlining goals, target audience, and financial projections are the crucial next steps. Navigating these steps and securing funding paves the way to turn your dream into reality. The journey presents challenges, but the prospect of bringing your vision to life and making a mark in the business world and the community makes every hurdle worthwhile. And fortunately, you don't have to do it on your own. There are many local, regional, and state resources available to help you through the process. |
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Free Business Coaching
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides confidential, complimentary one-on-one business coaching services including business plan development, market research, marketing strategies and cash flow projections. The SBDC can help with any stage of business. Experienced business counselors provide resources and information to individuals wanting to start a business, grow a business, or plan for a transition. The SBDC website also offers an abundance of on-demand training sessions including the Iowa SBDC Smart Start series which takes you through the business planning process all the way through the fine details of critical decisions, developing a business plan, and cash flow projections. |
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Location Assistance
The City of Emmetsburg and Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation work to maintain an inventory of commercial property available for sale or for lease in the community. There are currently several existing businesses on the market for those interested in taking over an established operation, or there are sites and buildings for someone to start anew. Visit the City of Emmetsburg website to see an interactive map of available sites and buildings as well as links to real estate flyers, photos, and additional information. |
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Financing
Your business plan and financial projections will help you determine how much capital you'll need to start your venture. Loans, personal savings, friends and family are all options for financing. There are also several local low-interest loan programs designed to help small businesses start and grow.
Revolving Loan Funds
Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities (EMU) and the Palo Alto County Economic Development (PACEDC) both offer gap financing in the form of reduced-rate revolving loans to bridge the financial gap that exists between what an owner is able to finance on their own and what a bank or other lender is willing to commit to the project. Loan rate and terms vary by project, but generally speaking these funds provide no more than 35% of financing for a project.
Emmetsburg Retail Loan Fund
In addition to the standard revolving loan program, Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities also offers a Retail Revolving Loan Fund. This program is generally limited to businesses within the retail sector (including clothing stores, general merchandise, restaurants, salons, etc.) and provides up to $10,000 in funding at a fixed rate of 1.5% over five years.
Additional information about the loan programs listed above and other financing options is available on the City of Emmetsburg website. |
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New Business Incentive
Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities offers new businesses a 50% reduction in gas utility rates for a one-year period, up to $2,500. To qualify a business must: be in the first year of business, use EMU's natural gas as the main heat source for the building, be a small business (2+ full time employees or equivalent) engaged in the sale of goods or services directly to the consumer, be in a commercially zoned area of the City of Emmetsburg, and be a member of the Chamber of Commerce. |
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Tax Abatement
Planning to build a new building or make investments in a property that will increase its taxable value? Commercial real estate in Emmetsburg is eligible to receive a 100% exemption from taxes on the new taxable value added by the improvements for a period of three years. |
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Additional Resources
The City of Emmetsburg Economic Development office has put together a large list of resources and information for individuals looking to start, grow, or transition a business. Ready to take the next step? Visit the City of Emmetsburg website, or contact Gretchen Reichter, Emmetsburg Marketing & Retail Coordinator, at 712-852-2067 or greichter@emmetsburg.com. |
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Catalyst Grant Workshops
$100,000 Building Rehabilitation Grant Program
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The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) provides grants through the Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program to communities for the redevelopment, rehabilitation of vacant or underutilized buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. A mandatory pre-application process precedes the official grant application. A city, the eligible applicant, must apply and provide financial and/or in-kind resources. Each city in Iowa is limited to a single application, and therefore the city accepts proposals/pre-applications from property owners in the fall. Interested property owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the program.
IEDA is offering four regional application workshops across the state. Workshops will include program details, deadlines for pre-applications and the actual formal application process. Pre-registration is encouraged.
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September 20 - Perry - 1:00-3:00 p.m. / Hotel Pattee – 1112 Willis Avenue
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September 21 - Fairfield - 10:00-Noon / Fairfield Public Library – 104 W. Adams Avenue
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September 22 - Independence - 10:00-Noon / Allerton Brewing Company – 110 1st Street E.
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September 26 - Hull - 1:00-3:00 p.m. / Farmers Mutual – 1010 Main Street
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$100,000 Wellmark Grant Secured |
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Thanks to generous contributions from the City of Emmetsburg, Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities, Palo Alto County Health System, Iowa Lakes Community College, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Members Charitable Foundation, and local donors, Emmetsburg Community Development Corporation (ECDC) and Five Island Trail Corporation's efforts to secure $100,000 in grant funding through the Wellmark Foundation were successful! There's only a short way to go to reach the total fundraising goal needed to complete the construction of the trail this fall.
Individuals and businesses interested in donating to the project may deliver or mail donations to:
ECDC
Attn: School Trail
PO Box 417
Emmetsburg, IA 5053
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Mural Park Patio Fundraiser |
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The Emmetsburg Community Visioning Committee is working to raise funds to complete the first phase of the Mural Park concept plan. This includes installing a new patio and purchasing movable patio furniture. The committee aims to raise an additional $3,000 to complete the patio and purchase furnishings this fall. |
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Raffle Fundraiser
Keep an eye out for raffle tickets soon to be available! The Community Visioning Committee will be selling raffle tickets for a prize package valued over $500. The prize package will include a 55 qt TAIGA cooler ($359 MSRP) filled with gift certificates and local goodies. Tickets will be available for $10 each or 3 tickets for $25. |
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Those interested in contributing to the project may deliver or mail donations to the Emmetsburg Chamber office - 1121 Broadway, Emmetsburg, IA 50536. Checks may be made payable to Emmetsburg Community Visioning. |
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Upgrade Coming to AGP Board Room
Last month Mark Johnson - Soy Operations Manager, Shara Schmeling - Regional Marketing Manager, and Kerry Fields - Senior Merchandiser of Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) presented a $5,000 check to The Shores at Five Island for a new interactive smart TV for the AGP Board Room. The new display will not only be larger and easier to view from the conference table, but it will also enable businesses and organizations to use the display as a touch screen for presentations, strategic planning sessions, and more. "AGP is proud to partner with the Emmetsburg community to support improvements," said Mark Johnson. The AGP Board Room is available for businesses/groups to rent or for any local nonprofit group to use at no cost. |
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Left to right: Gretchen Reichter - City Marketing & Retail Coordinator, Alissa Kliegl - Community Center Manager, Kim Kibbie - City Administrator, Pat Martini - City Councilman, Mark Johnson - AGP Soy Operations Manager, Shara Schmeling - AGP Regional Marketing Manager, and Kerry Fields - AGP Senior Merchandiser |
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September Hours & Menu
Due to limited staffing, The Shores at Five Island has had to reduce kitchen hours for the month of September. We appreciate your understanding!
- Sunday / Monday / Tuesday / Thursday / Friday
Lunch: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Limited Snacks & Apps: 8:00 - 9:00 PM
- Wednesday
Lunch: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Limited Snacks & Apps: 9:00 - 10:00 PM
- Saturday
Limited Snacks & Apps: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Closed for dinner due to wedding receptions
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We're Hiring!
The Shores at Five Island (City of Emmetsburg) is currently accepting applications for multiple part time positions. Scheduling is flexible with daytime, evening, weekday, and weekend shifts all available. To learn more and apply, stop by The Shores (14 N Lawler St) or contact Alissa Kliegl, Community Center Manager, at 712-852-2262 or akliegl@emmetsburg.com.
- Bartenders/Servers: Starting at $9 per hour + tips
- Cooks: Starting at $12 per hour
- Banquet Staff: Starting at $15 per hour (mainly evenings/Saturdays)
Positions are open until filled. EOE. |
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Reducing Childhood Hunger
Country Maid Hosting Better Butter Bash
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Country Maid is working to raise funds for local organizations in Palo Alto and Kossuth County whose aim is to provide children of all ages with nutritious food during difficult times. The Better Butter Bash is scheduled to take place on September 23, 2023, from 8AM to 11AM at Country Maid’s main office in West Bend. There will be a variety of events for attendees to take part in, including a 5K walk/run/ride, a cake roll eating contest, a butter carving contest, scavenger hunts, and a breakfast bar. Country Maid’s goal is to raise enough money from the 5K registration and free will donations to support these groups in their efforts to provide healthy meals to children in need.
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CEO Network Meeting
Hosted by K/PACEDC
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Join Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation (PACEDC) on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 for a CEO Network Meeting highlighting Manufacturing Month, followed by a Q&A on apprenticeships, Iowa Targeted Small Business Program, VentureNet Iowa, InnoVenture Iowa, and CIRAS. This event will be held at the Tietz Entrepreneurial Center - Room 33/55 at the Iowa Lakes Community College Algona Campus.
Please RSVP by October 6 to kcedc@kossuthia.com or 515-295-7979. |
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Bingo with Horizons Unlimited
Every Monday at 1:30 PM @ First UMC Family Life Center |
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After School Homework Help
Every Monday from 3:45-5:00 PM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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VFW Bingo
Every Monday - Light meal at 5:00 PM, early-bird BINGO at 6:30 PM, regular BINGO at 7:00 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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Babytime (Storytime)
Every Wednesday at 10:00 AM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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Toddlertime (Storytime)
Every Wednesday at 10:30 AM @ Emmetsburg Public Library |
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TOPS® Meeting
Every Wednesday at 4:30 PM @ Iowa Welcome Center |
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Farmer's Market
Every Thursday from 12:00-5:00 PM on 10th Street north of Courthouse Square
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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 |
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Farmer's Market
Every Saturday from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM on 10th Street north of Courthouse Square
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City Hall / EMU / Library Closed
Sept 4 - Labor Day |
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5K Laker Whisker Walk
Sept 6 at 6:00 PM @ Iowa Lakes Community College (Entrance $22) |
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Hospital Auxiliary Meeting
Sept 7 at 1:30 PM @ PACHS Health Ed Room |
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Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by First UMC
Sept 8 from 9:30-10:30 AM @ First United Methodist Church |
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First United Methodist Church 150th Anniversary Celebration
Sept 10 at 10:00 AM @ First United Methodist Church |
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Classics at the Riviera Showing
Bullitt
Sept 10 at 4:30 PM @ Riviera Theatre |
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Mobile Food Pantry
Sept 14 from 5:00-7:00 PM @ Grace Church |
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Fall City-Wide Garage Sales
Sept 15 & Sept 16 |
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Chamber Coffee hosted by Grace Estates by Lakeside in celebration of National Assisted Living Week
Sept 15 from 9:30-10:30 AM @ Grace Estates |
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United Methodist Church Bake Sale
Sept 16 at 8:00 AM |
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13th Annual Emmetsburg Athletic Booster Club Golf Outing Fundraiser
Sept 17 at 12:00 PM @ Five Island Golf Course
This 4-person best shot, 9-hole outing begins with registration and lunch from 12:00-1:00 PM. Golf begins with a shotgun start at 1:00 PM, with prizes and fun to follow the event. $50 per golfer includes meal and fun. Return registration form and check by September 3. |
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Pedal with Pete Bike Ride for Cerebral Palsy
Sept 17 at 2:00 PM @ The Shores at Five Island (trailhead) |
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Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce Homecoming Tailgate Party & Parade
Sept 29 at 2:45 PM on 10th Street |
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3rd Annual Scarecrow Contest - Voting Open
Sept 29 - Oct 5 |
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SAVE THE DATE
PACGDC Grant Meetings - Wednesday, October 11
The Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation will be hosting their Annual Educational Meetings at the Wild Rose Casino at 777 Main Street in Emmetsburg at 1:00 and 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 12.
Trick or Treat - Tuesday, October 31
The official Emmetsburg Trick or Treat time will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 31st. |
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This newsletter is published by the City of Emmetsburg Marketing & Development Coordinator |
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