City of Graettinger - Small Town, Big Heart

The City of Graettinger would like to thank the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corp for the recent purchase of a stump grinder. This grinder attachment has been used numerous times within our community the past month. The city employees have been busy with the spring like weather by removing stumps from our parks, cemetery and right of ways. We are looking forward to the numerous improvements in our community .. up next Pickleball !

Spring has sprung! The City of Graettinger would like to remind you with the warmer weather and yard work beginning to please take the time and make sure your home has your house number displayed. Every house has an assigned identifying number that displays your home address. Although these numbers are important for the mailman and guests visiting you, house numbers are crucial for emergency personnel when responding to the location of an emergency. Emergency services personnel need to quickly locate, and easily read, your address to provide emergency and other services to you. Help us protect you, your property, and your family by making sure your address is correctly displayed and easily readable. • If your home is set back from the street and cannot be seen when at the road, post the house numbers at the entrance of your driveway. • If there are multiple houses that use the same driveway to access their home, each address should be posted at the entrance of the driveway and then again at each individual home. o Make sure the numbers are large enough and can be easily seen from the road. The numbers should be at least four inches tall. o Numbers should be in a contrasting color from the color of your house so the address stands out and can be quickly spotted. • Select numbers that are easy to read and not in a cursive style design. • Keep trees and plants trimmed to not block the house numbers. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

The City of Graettinger would like to remind our citizens that March 27th - 31st is the severe weather awareness week for Iowa. It's a good time to go over your emergency plans for what to do when severe weather hits. On Wednesday, March 29th there is a statewide tornado drill. The county communication center will receive an exercise message at approximately 10:00-10:15 AM. Upon receipt, the communication center will activate the Outdoor Warning Systems. This is the first test of the year to check the function of the sirens after the winter.

It's time for Spring! (we don't think mother nature has gotten our memo yet..) The City of Graettinger would like to remind our residents that Garbage tags are available here at City Hall. You can purchase as many as you need for $2.00 each. These tags are required for each additional bag over the two bag limit and can be attached to any additional garbage bags needing to be picked up curbside. Harris Sanitation does require you to attach these tags in a visible location and there is a 50lbs per bag weight limit for all bags. Thanks to Harris Sanitation, they do a great job keeping our city clean throughout the year!

Congratulations to Katie Caneff for her 1st Anniversary as the Library director at the Graettinger Public Library. We appreciate everything you do for the library and our community. Stop in the library and thank Katie for everything she does for the library!

Lisa Harris has been one of the familiar faces at RVTC but she has transitioned over to the Graettinger Municipal Light Plant, so you'll still see the friendly face just at a different desk. Lisa started at the Light Plant on February 27 and has been busy "learning the ropes" from Pam Peton, who retires in May. Before RVTC, Lisa worked at Horizons Unlimited for 15 years. Lisa was with RVTC for 20 years, but decided it was time for a change. She was ready for a change of pace and something different but still in town. Husband Denny, who owns Harris Sanitation, was incredibly supportive of her job change. The two will be married for 37 years in July. The couple have 4 boys and Lisa loves to take the grandkids to the pool and golfing. She says it is a whole new process to learn but likes the hands-on part of the job. Lisa enjoys seeing customers and loves working in the community. You will be sure to see Lisa out on the golf course this summer or maybe out in her flower garden. Whenever you see Lisa, congratulate her on her new job.

Notice of Public Hearing for April 10, 2023 regarding Proposed Budget for FY2023-24. Meeting will be held at City Hall 106 S. Cedar Graettinger ,IA at 6pm. At the public hearing any resident or taxpayer may present objections to, or arguments in favor of, any part of the proposed budget. This notice represents a summary of the supporting detail of revenues and expenditures on file with the City Clerk and County Auditor. City budgets are subject to protest. If protest petition requirements are met, the State Appeal Board will hold a local hearing. For more information, consult http://dom.iowa.gov/local-budget-appeals.

The City of Graettinger would like to congratulate Addison Hansen, daughter of Ashley Hansen and Jon Hansen, she won the Irish Miss title at the recent St. Pat's Pageant in Emmetsburg. Addison is the granddaughter of Kevin and Tami Jensen, Pam Studer, Sue Jensen, Gene and Laurie Studer and Jerry and Marlene Hansen. Pictured to the left of Addison is Olivia Moen-daughter of Joey & Michelle Moen of Graettinger who was also in the competition. Also pictured is Vivienne Olesen, daughter of Chris and Cassie Olesen, who won Little Miss Shamrock at the St. Patrick's Pageant in Emmetsburg. Grandparents are Ronda and Steve Olesen, Dee Roseboom and Gary DeRaad, and Howard and Lori Houtsma. Congratulations girls! The City of Graettinger are proud of all your hard work.

The City of Graettinger would like to thank The Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation for the grants we received this last Friday. These grants make our community stronger and gives us the opportunity to make improvements to our beautiful town.

The Graettinger Fire Department this Sunday, February 26th, 2023 for a Pancake Breakfast. Serving: Pancakes, Sausage, Eggs, Juice, Milk & Coffee from 8 am-Noon. Adults $10. Kids $7. Preschool age and younger free. 104 N. Washington Ave, Graettinger Iowa 51342

IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR ... spring is right around the corner !! The City of Graettinger would like to remind everyone of the 2023 GT Little League Registration. All boys and girls in 4 year old preschool (M-W-F) to 6th Grade are eligible to participate. You will need to fill out one form for each child. Any questions e-mail amandajmart@gmail.com or message our GT Little League FB page. ALL registrations must be turned in by Wednesday, March 8th. Any registrations turned in after March 8th will have a $20 late fee charged per child.

The City of Graettinger would like to remind everyone to not park vehicles on city streets during a snowstorm so we can accommodate our snow plow drivers. Our city workers do an amazing job keeping our streets cleared and appreciate your help at making their job a little easier.

The City of Graettinger would like to congratulate all of our student athletes and coaches on a job well done! It's been fun watching you accomplish all your goals and we look forward to another season next year.

New face at City Hall Kara Currans has taken the position of Deputy City Clerk for the City of Graettinger. She has worked for the PACH for the last twenty years in many of the departments, the last being behavioral health. Kara, wife of Shamus, says she wanted to try something new and likes the idea of having a more active role in the Graettinger community. She loves Graettinger and looks forward to working with the locals. Kara and Shamus have four children, Cormick, Cael, Corrine, and Case, who are looking forward to mom being in town. Kara herself is one of 10 kids. She is the granddaughter of Bob and Elaine Schany, and it was through her grandparents she met Shamus. She would come to Iowa to help her grandparents and ended up meeting her future husband. They flew back and forth between Denver and Spencer for months during their courtship, she lived in Denver and worked at United Airlines, but soon she was to become a farmer’s wife. Kara says she sees this job as an opportunity to learn different administrative bodies within the community. "Health care I know, government policies, not so much." Though this interview was on her second day, she said she's already learned a lot and it will be nice to work with Sandy and learn the ropes before she retires. Sandy Henderson, City Clerk, will be retiring this June. Kara brings a vast knowledge of computers and is a great multi-tasker and organizer. She will be learning about grant writing and is currently working with AARP on a grant to improve recreation for the city. Kara is realizing all the responsibilities that a part of the day-to-day responsibilities that come with the City Clerk position. Kara admits she has a lot to learn but her positive attitude and enthusiasm, along with her love of Graettinger ,will make her a great fit in the City Clerk role. Please stop in and welcome Kara in her new role.

Jason Joyce and Brian Jackson, co-treasurers for the Graettinger Business Club presented GTRA band director Zach Witherspoon $100 for the program in appreciation for entertainment during the Holiday Stroll in December.

Check out the Market's lunch menu for this week. They start serving at 11 until it's all gone.

Bank Plus employees enjoyed coffee time at the Library on Thursday morning.

Check out the Market's lunch menu for this week. They start serving at 11 until it's all gone.

Check out the Market's lunch menu for this week. They start serving at 11 until it's all gone.

Tonight is the night!!! Be sure to come downtown Graettinger and check out all of our local businesses. Be sure to check out Curran's Plumbing & Heating who will be posted up at the American Legion.