Cooperative Park Bench Partnership
5/11/2020
This is an update on a three-year cooperative project with the City of Grimes Public Works Department and GVSS. During this time, GVSS has purchased four park benches and donated to the city. They thank Jeremy Thayer, Field Operations Manager, for assistance in the effort.
They purchased the benches from Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Inc. and had them delivered to the public works department for assembly and installation. Public works helped find four locations in Grimes that would give wide public presence. Those are:
Bench 1: East First Street across from McDonalds
Bench 2: West First Street across from MercyOne Clinic
Bench 3: South James and 6th Street on the west side
Bench 4: North James and Beaverbrook Boulevard east of the stop light
DMARC launches food pantry delivery service
5/11/2020
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network is launching a food pantry delivery service to meet the needs of people experiencing food insecurity in Greater Des Moines at this time.
If a person is unable to obtain food by either visiting a food pantry location or by using a proxy to pick up food for them, they may call to request a delivery. DMARC is asking that only those with health, transportation or other mitigating circumstances use this service. People can call 1-833-DMARC-20 (1-833-362-7220) toll free to request a delivery. This number will be staffed by trained volunteers and staff from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Requests for delivery will be taken on a first-come first-serve basis, and delivery capacity will depend on the number of volunteers available.
Once the order is placed, food will be delivered to the person’s doorstep with a no-contact drop-off the following business day between 9 a.m. and noon.
Those interested in volunteering to deliver food can sign up at dmarcunited.org/volunteer.
#25for25 Campaign Supports Iowans and Local Non-Profit Mission
5/11/2020
The nine-week campaign, called 25 for 25, features 25 Iowa artists, small businesses and entrepreneurs. Each week, three of these vendors are featured and their products are promoted on social media and the website.
Here’s how it works: Anyone interested in purchasing the promoted items pays $25. The Iowa Able Foundation splits the proceeds with the vendor, and the item purchased is mailed directly to the donor’s home.
Visit iamableiowa.com/25for25 to view the latest vendor options.
Dallas Center-Grimes school board meeting notes
5/4/2020
At the April 8 DC-G School Board special meeting, Superintendent Grimes and business manager Michelle Wearmouth discussed re-publication of the 2020-21 budget due to a publishing erro by the newspaper of record. A new publication, a new public hearing and new budget approval will be required.
At the March 30 board meeting, the following contract approvals were made:
Michael Melchert, Volunteer Coach; Maddyson Reinhart, K Teacher - Heritage; Angela Doty, K-Teacher - Heritage; Julie Pamau, Spec Ed - Teacher - South Prairie; Mark Walker, Spec Ed - Teacher - Middle School; Chelsi Norland, PE Teacher - High School; Emily Drey, Spec. Ed Teacher - DCE; Aslynn Maudlin, 4th Grade Teacher - DCE; Cheyanne Lewis, 3rd Grade Teacher - DCE; and Trisha Gurnsey, 5th Grade Teacher - Heritage.
At the March 30 board meeting, the following resignations were approved:
Lauren Long, Teacher - DCE; Harka Biswa, ESLOL PLC Leader Position; Heather Willrich, SPED. Intervention - DCE; Joey Hepworth, Custodian; Angela Dvorak, Director of Student Services; Melissa Bolton, Teacher - Heritage; Jordan Weaver, Associate; Melissa Hepworth, Associate; Lynette Groenenboom, District Info Specialist; and Stacy Heidemann, 3-4 PLC Leader -DCE.
A bid was approved for the DC-G 5-6 building remodel at the cost of $6,157,000.
The cooperative sharing agreement was approved for the JCSD boys and girls swimming, tennis and bowling.
The approval of the 2019-20 calendar was passed, waiving the 15 days missed due to Gov. Reynold’s waiver of instructional hours requirement.
Grimes city council meeting notes
5/4/2020
At the April 14 Grimes City Council meeting, development services coordinator Alex Pfaltzgraff moved to approve the second reading of Ordinance 732 Rezoning Hope Commercial from A-1 to C-2. Motion passed.
Mayor Mikkelsen said that there were a number of encouraging activities that he had seen in Grimes with residents, individuals and groups, going above and beyond in showing the strength of the community. Mikkelsen stated that among those to note, Grimes Volunteer Services, which helps serve hundreds of people every month for years by offering rides to doctor appointments or other errands for those that might not otherwise be able to get out. He noted that this is a completely volunteer driven program, that in these unpresented times, have still found ways to continue serving those in need by delivering meals, or providing pick up or drop off for food. Mikkelsen also noted the Food Bank has had approximately a 25 percent increase in demand for food. He said while they had to make adjustments to the process of how they provide these necessities, they are still able to keep operating. Mayor Mikkelsen said new volunteers have stepped in to help, and critically needed donations have increased as well to continue to take care of those in need. Mayor Mikkelsen wanted to make sure everyone was aware of these organizations, and encouraged those that are hungry or in need, to please reach out.
Update on Outdoor Storage Ordinance: Pfaltzgraff reported that staff is looking at how to proceed with those businesses that require outdoor storage and drafting guidelines for effective screening to maintain a high quality environment.
WesleyLife Meals on Wheels
4/13/2020
Every day, WesleyLife Meals on Wheels directly supports the health, vitality and independence of more than 900 adults living in greater Des Moines through delivery of a nutritious meal to their front doors, with close to 230,000 meals delivered each year. For more information, or to sign up for service, call 515-699-3243.
Dog needs home
4/13/2020
NEEDS HOME: Teddy needs a good home. 5 year old Lab/Boxer mix. Brown and white markings. Beautiful dog. Great with kids. Call 515-238-3198. Located 5 miles from Grimes.
EMC DAM to DSM 20K to run on Labor Day weekend
4/6/2020
For the first time in 40 years, the EMC DAM to DSM (formerly DAM to DAM) will not be held on Memorial Day weekend, due to COVID-19. The organizers of the event have decided to postpone the event to Labor Day weekend on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Grimes Senior Center offers meals to go
3/30/2020
All Polk County Senior Centers are closed indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. Currently, the Grimes Senior Center is one of several locations offering “meals to go” for those 60 years or older. Please call Rene Leppert at 515-986-5747 for menu information and to register for a meal.
Grimes restaurants offering order-out
3/30/2020
• El Huapango: Order online, 515-986-0741
• Luke’s Coffee Hub: Text in order,515-758-8700
• Food Depot: Curb side pick up, carry out and local delivery, 515-986-4404
• Godfather’s Pizza: Carry-out and delivery, 515-986-2228
• McDonald’s: Drive-thru, 515-986-9182
• Mustang Grill: Carry out 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., no breakfast. Credit card payments only, 515-986-5009
• Breadeaux Pizza: Carry-out, 515-986-4242
• Heavenly Delights: Carry-out, 515-986-5407
• Hacienda Vieja, Take out, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 515-986-3210
• The Radish: Take-out, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday- Saturday, 515-986-1900
• Rolling Wok Asian Cuisine & Pho, Carry-out and delivery through UberEats, GrubHub and MyTown2Go, 515-300-9521
• Buger King: Drive-thru, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 515-986-7322
Grimes churches offering virtual/online services
3/30/2020
• NorthPoint Church: Live stream services, Sunday,
9 a.m. and 10:35 a.m. on their Facebook page, 515-986-0306
• St. Peter Lutheran Church of Grimes: Live stream services on their Facebook page, 515-986-3077
• Grimes United Methodist Church: Live stream services Sundays at 8:30 a.m. on Facebook page or Vimeo account, 515-986-4036
• Summitcreek Church: Live interactions on their Facebook page, 515-207-9551
• Harvest Bible Chapel Des Moines: Services posted on their YouTube channel and Facebook page, 515-428-0029
• First Presbyterian Church of Grimes: Video messages posted on their Facebook page, 515-986-3720
• Crossroads Community Church: Videos posted on their Facebook page, 515-986-5433
The eXpo event postponed
3/24/2020
Due to growing concerns regarding large public gatherings due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, and information being shared from the CDC and WHO, Grimes Chamber and Economic Development feels it best to indefinitely postpone the eXpo, which was scheduled for Tuesday, March 24. GCED hopes and plans to reschedule this event; however, it is not known when exactly that will be at this time. As soon as GCED is able to make this determination, an announcement will be made.
Business changes during pandemic
3/24/2020
business changes during pandemic
• In response to the COVID-19 recommendations from the CDC, IDPH, and the IOA, Total Family Eye Care has made the decision to suspend all non-emergent ocular care until further notice.
As of Monday, March 23, Total Family Eye Care will remain open on a limited basis with a limited staff for urgent and emergent care.
Rescheduling comprehensive eye examination appointments has begun. If you have an appointment scheduled with in the next two weeks, the team will be reaching out to get you rescheduled and take care of any needs during the interim.
Optical will remain available but will be implementing strategic safety protocols to ensure you receive your glasses and contact lenses. Contact the office for further instruction.
Dr. Howie and Dr. Mallori will be on call in the event of an ocular emergency. If you experience an ocular emergency, contact the office at 515-986-1234
• El Huapango Mexican Restuarant is offering take-out service. Call the restaurant at 515-986-0741, place your order and pay by phone. When you arrive, call the restaurant, and someone will bring your order out to your vehicle.
• Pizzas at Food Depot Bar and Grill are available for take and bake. They can also do breakfast options.
• Beisser Lumber Company is open for business. To keep the community and employees safe, the showrooms are currently open by appointment only. If you need to order materials, call your branch.
• Bankers Trust Company reminds the community to be on guard against scams. Scammers are taking advantage of the fear surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. Beware of spoofed hospital and business websites offering cures to the virus, fake charities asking for donations via cash and wire transfers, and phishing alerts that appear to come from the World Health Organization (WHO) or Centers For Disease Control (CDC).
Protect yourself from scams by:
• Avoiding clicking on links from sources you don’t know
• Visiting WHO and CDC sites directly for news and updates
• Ignoring online offers for coronavirus vaccines and treatments
• Researching charities before donating
For more information, read this Education Center article: education.bankerstrust.com.
Find the signs to win a prize
3/24/2020
If you and your family are out walking or driving in Grimes, the Parks and Recreation Department has a small challenge for you. See if you can find the seven hidden signs that have been placed in selected parks.
If you spot the sign, take a family photo or a selfie with the sign and see how many you can locate. Once your venture is complete, tag the Parks and Recreation Department in your photos on social media (Facebook or Instagram) so staff can see how many you found. If you collect photos with all seven signs, your name will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize.
You will have until Friday, March 27 to locate these signs before they will be moved to a different location. Next Saturday morning, March 28, Parks and Recreation will supply you with new locations and maps for you to venture out to find the signs.
The Parks and Recreation Department encourages you to follow all CDC recommendations and continue to practice social distancing.️
Updated pandemic information from the City of Grimes
3/24/2020
As the City of Grimes continues its response to the coronavirus pandemic; here is some updated and additional information.
City facilities remain closed to the public and the city is continuing to provide services electronically and over the phone whenever possible. In cases where that does not work, arrangements will be made to accommodate. Facilities that are closed to the public include City Hall, Grimes Public Library, Grimes Community Complex, and restrooms and concessions at the sports complexes or in the parks.
Facilities that are not closed to the public include, but are not limited to, roads, sidewalks, parks, trails, playground equipment, open air shelters and sports complexes. However, refrain from organized practices, games or tournaments. Additionally, note that playground equipment will not be sanitized. Therefore, parents will need to exercise their own independent judgment about whether or not their kids should play on the playground equipment.
Remember that the following options are available to Grimes’ customers:
• Utility accounts can be set up through the city’s website, utility payments can be made by ACH, by credit or debit card though the website, by phone, and by submitting checks or cash in a secure drop box outside city hall.
• Applications for development review, building permits and inspections can be submitted electronically. Payments can be mailed in or placed in the utility payment drop box at City Hall. If for some reason payment cannot be made, permits may be processed and inspections conducted; however occupancy permits will be held until payments can be processed. Inspections will continue as normal for new construction projects, or projects located outside of a residence or occupied building. Inspections for occupied homes and buildings are discontinued unless digital measures such as video-calling areavailable for requested inspections.
• Recreational programming can be done via the website, and when or wherever cancellations are necessary the city will work to refund fees.
• Public meetings, such as city council, planning and zoning, board of adjustments, park board, library board, tree board, public health and safety board, etc. will continue electronically via the Zoom meeting platform. When agendas are posted, they will include the needed dial-in and log-in informationso that the public can participate.
Finally, if you are not feeling well, please stay home.
Van Haaften services postponed
3/18/2020
The Celebration of Life Service for Marilyn Van Haaften that was scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 2 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran has been postponed until a future date.
Grimes takes steps to protect public health
3/17/2020
The City of Grimes has made plans and preparations to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. It has investigated a number of issues related to business continuity and has taken the following steps in the interest of public health and that of its employees.
Following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ announcement of community spread and the Iowa Legislature’s example of suspending the legislative session, starting on Monday, March 16, all city facilities will be closed to the public. The situation will be monitored continuously and a determination about reopening city facilities will be as the situation evolves.
The public is encouraged to conduct business with the city electronically or over the phone whenever possible. In cases where that does not work, arrangements will be made to accommodate. It is worth noting the following are already available to our customers:
• Utility accounts can be set up through the city’s website, utility payments can be made by ACH, by credit or debit card though the website, by phone, and by submitting checks or cash in a secure dropbox outside city hall.
• Building permits and inspections can also be submitted electronically and the city is working though how to take payments for those fees remotely. Payments can be mailed in or placed in the utility payment dropbox at city hall. As a fall back, and with the permission of the Development Services Director, permits may be processed and inspections conducted; however, occupancy permits will be held until payments can be processed.
• Recreational programming can be done via the website and when or wherever cancellations are necessary the city will work to refund fees.
If you are not feeling well, please stay home. We ask that everyone acknowledge that a certain amount of give and take may become necessary as the situation evolves.
The eXpo event postponed indefinitely
3/17/2020
Due to growing concerns regarding large public gatherings due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, and information being shared from the CDC and WHO, Grimes Chamber and Economic Development feels it best to indefinitely postpone the eXpo, which was scheduled for Tuesday, March 24. GCED hopes and plans to reschedule this event; however, it is not known when exactly that will be at this time. As soon as GCED is able to make this determination, an announcement will be made.
GVSS trips restricted to essential trips
3/16/2020
With an abundance of caution, GVSS is going to restrict its trips for at least the next two weeks to only essential trips. Essential trips are considered dialysis, chemotherapy or any life preserving trip. This does not include trips for shopping or hair appointments, for example.
You may already know, the senior meal site is closed for the next two weeks as well. We will be trying our best to deliver meals to our clients regularly scheduled for meals, dependent upon volunteer availability.
If you are regularly scheduled for trips to the meal site you can call us at 986-5355 and let us know whether or not you would like to have those meals delivered.
If you have something that appears to be non essential currently scheduled, you will be contacted by Loree to reschedule.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at 986-5355. Please know our physical office will be closed to visitors but we will be checking voicemails and taking calls.
A reminder to our faithful volunteers. It goes without saying that you should never feel pressured to take a trip, even if you have already scheduled it. Things change and this past two weeks is a classic example. If you no longer feel comfortable taking a trip you have agreed to before, please feel free to call us and cancel your participation. Many trips already schedule will be cancelled anyway. Foremost, we want you to feel comfortable with your participation.
Booster Club cake auction a success
3/13/2020
The inaugural DC-G Booster Club cake auction took place on Feb. 14 in the Meadows gym and commons. This event was a tremendous success, and the Booster Club looks forward to carrying on this new tradition for years to come. Seventy-nine cakes were submitted for judging.
There were three live auctions held in the gym with the highest bid coming in at $2,600. The silent auction took place in the commons along with the cake and ice cream social. The total amount of funds raised was just shy of $12,500. Funds raised from the auction will be used to purchase equipment and uniforms for all of the programs offered at DC-G.
Celebration of Life service for Marilyn Van Haaftan
3/10/2020
A Celebration of Life service for Marilyn Van Haaften will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 26 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes. Refreshments will be served after the service in Fellowship Hall.
Marilyn Van Haaften passed on Feb. 26.
GVSS February activities
3/10/2020
During the month of February, 35 drivers for Grimes Volunteer Support Services provided 345 trips for clients in the Grimes area, 198 of which were getting seniors to and from the Grimes Senior Meal Site. GVSS also had six minor repairs or light cleaning, 22 personal assistances, 25 snow removals and five durable medical equipment loans. During the last month, 41 volunteers drove 3,152 miles and spent 596 hours assisting others or organizing and administering the program so GVSS could assist its clients. All of this was provided to clients without charge.
Since GVSS is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit corporation, volunteers are important.
GVSS has no staff of any kind. No one is paid for his or her time. Drivers donate their time, their car, their gas, etc.
Keep in mind that GVSS is currently averaging more than 365 trips a month. This is why its information indicates you need to give at least six days notice of a trip request. If a trip is requested in two or three, often all of the available drivers are scheduled. About half of the drivers each month are folks who still work, and many do not have as much flexibility as retired folks about when they can take a trip.
Another issue to be aware of is that medical clinics often call their patients and want to give them a sooner appointment time. They are trying to keep their schedule each day full. So when someone cancels, they call others and offer a sooner appointment.
Be aware that if you shift your appointment to within fewer than six days, you are putting your chance of a GVSS ride at risk. Next time you may want to say, “No, I’ll keep the appointment I have.”
GVSS office hours are 9-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The office is located at 404 Second St., Suite 100 in the Governors District. Home visits can be arranged by calling 515-986-5355.
Goodman receives industry’s distinguished service award
3/10/2020
Shane Goodman was the recipient of the President’s Memorial Award for Distinguished Service on Friday, March 6 at the Midwest Free Community Papers Conference and Trade Show at the Renaissance Savery Hotel in Des Moines.
The award was presented to Goodman by MFCP board member Greg Birkett in honor of Goodman’s “unselfish commitment to MFCP’s goals and purposes.” The award is presented in respectful memory of MFCP’s past presidents.
Goodman is the president of Big Green Umbrella Media Inc. in Johnston and is the publisher of CITYVIEW, 19 zoned Iowa Living magazines, five zoned Adviser publications and a variety of other niche publications, websites and digital components.
MFCP is an association of free paper publishers in the Midwest with a mission to improve publications through education and the exchange of ideas and information. The association celebrated its 65th anniversary with many past presidents from across the Midwest in attendance.
Kathy's Joke of the Week
3/10/2020
Q: What's brown, hairy and wears sunglasses?
A: A coconut on spring break.
Take advantage of smoke and carbon monoxide alarm checks
3/3/2020
The Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department (JGMFD) is proud to serve both communities to ensure the safety of residents in their homes. With Daylight Saving Time approaching on March 8, the JGMFD reminds residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If you need assistance with the checks, the JGMFD is here to help.
The JGMFD received $5,000 from the “Close Before You Doze” campaign and $1,000 from Kwik Star. These grants allowed the fire department to purchase smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and batteries. The American Red Cross is also a partner and provides smoke alarms. The department’s goal is to perform checks while at a resident’s home during a medical call; however, there may be times when this is not possible due to the type of call. But the department will leave a card for the resident to call back to schedule a time for the check.
Residents within Johnston or Grimes can take advantage of this service by contacting the fire marshal at 515-251-7692. A call to schedule a check could help save your life.
DC-G employee receives award
3/3/2020
Bob King, DC-G bus driver and Dallas Center resident, was announced the winner of the 2020 Healthiest State Individual Impact Award, presented by the Healthiest State Initiative. The award recognizes King’s efforts to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of his fellow citizens.
King is a founder of Sustaining Active Independent Living in Dallas Center (SAILDC). He also serves on numerous other boards including Dallas Center’s Healthy Hometown task force, Dallas Center Rotary, Dallas Center Betterment Foundation and Dallas Center Parks & Recreation Board.Some of the projects King has contributed his grant writing and community coordination efforts toward include a new community garden at Dallas Center Elementary School with six raised beds, physical activity opportunities in the Dallas Center community including a new tennis court, pickleball court and ice rink. King also worked with the Rotary Club and designed and built a shaded set of benches near Spurgeon Manor and the Raccoon River Valley Bike Trail. In addition, King worked with Dallas Center and ordinances were updated to ban vaping in all public areas, a walkability study of the entire community was completed and is now guiding city efforts to improve sidewalks and trails and a pop-up produce stand with inexpensive fruits and vegetables now comes to the city monthly in the public library.
National Merit Scholarship Finalist
3/3/2020
Rachel Ihde, DC-G senior, is a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship. The mission of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is to recognize and honor academically talented students across the United States. NMSC accomplishes its mission by conducting nationwide academic scholarship programs. The goals of NMSC’s scholarship program are to look for students who promote a wider and deeper respect for learning and to encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education. Later this month, NMSC will begin mailing offer letters to the scholarship recipients. Ihde is one of 7,500 students from across the country who have successfully met all requirements to advance to the finals.
Registration for Grimes Giving Garden plots
2.24.20202
Registration for plots in the Grimes Giving Garden will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, March 2, in person only.
Maranatha Baptist Church members and last year’s garden owners can register for a plot in person at the Grimes Community Complex, 410 S.E. Main St. and sign the garden contract. Cost is $10 per plot and is limited to two plots per family. No online registration is available.
Other Grimes community members and non-residents can register in person beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 16.
Plots will be assigned by the Rec Department on Monday, March 30. Emails will be sent out with map of plot owners.
Plots can be tilled April 1-15, weather pending.
The plots are located west and northwest of Maranatha Baptist Church, 877 S.E. 19th St.Water is located on the west side of the church.