August Newsletter from Pat

Posted by Pat on Aug 9, 2010 in Blog | 4 comments

Gee, where did July go? The month disappeared! But it was a good one. I was exceptionally busy spending special time with all of my grandchildren. I truly enjoyed it all. I don’t see them very often, so it was wonderful. They are getting to be teens and pre-teens now, no babies or toddlers anymore.

Got word that Sigourney was awarded the Burma Shave signs to place on a county road in the Sigourney area. Our Iowa Magazine has signs for all 99 counties. We applied, and received notice that the signs will be coming. Tentatively, we have selected Keswick Road for the signs. look for more information as it develops.

The city is applying for a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) for housing rehabilitation. We are looking for homeowners who are in need of assistance in home repair. Preapplications are being taken until August 27th at the City Clerk’s office. The grant, if awarded, can provide qualified homeowners up to $24,999.00 in home repairs in the form of forgivable loans and additional funds to address lead paint hazards in their homes. If you live in the target area, both sides of Elm Street, south, east or west to the city limits, and are interested in housing rehabilitation, please stop in the City Clerk’s office to request a form. The grant application is due early in November and we will be notified in March if we are grant recipients.

The employees of the city are saddened at the passing recently of two former employees. Marie Tremmel was Deputy City Clerk for over 25 years and Don Gilliland who worked in the Street and Sanitation Department for almost 25 years. Both were loyal and dedicated employees. Our sympathy is extended to both families.

It is wonderful to see work begin on the new grocery store. Thank you to Keith and Laurie in their committment to our community. We are all excited for this new building. Congratulations and welcome to the Woods family. Woody, and Gayle Woods and their son, Zach and his wife Jessica and daughter have opened Woody’s Discount Food Outlet on Main Street. They offer a wide variety of fresh, frozen and dry products which change weekly. You just need to stop to see what is available. We are sorry to lose Bruty’s Carpets and Main Street Florist. Both businesses have been an assest to the retail area of the city and their closing will be felt by many.

Several complaints have been received in the City Clerk’s office about mowing grass and blowing it into the street. Please refrain from putting grass into the street. It doesn’t look good and it makes our storm sewer system work even harder after a rain when the grass is washed into the system. Be a good citizen and don’t blow the cut grass into the street. Another common complaint are those that fail to mow their grass. I realize it is hard to keep up with the growing grass, but each resident needs to be diligent in keeping their grass a respectable length.

It is hard to believe that school will start soon. Where did the summer go? Be careful when driving around the schools. Be viligent, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

I have decided to discontinue the Saturday evening Movie in the Park until further notice. Maybe it is the weather, maybe it is the bugs, maybe it is the selection of the movie, but attendance has been non-existent the past several weeks.

Have some fun and be safe,

Til September

Pat