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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Glimpse life in law enforcement at Junior Police Academy

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department, in cooperation with Muscatine Community College, will again offer high school students the opportunity to learn about law enforcement through the Junior Police Academy. The five-day training will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 5-9, 2023.

 

Students will learn what it takes to become a police officer with hands-on lessons and activities that include: 

 

The students receive hands-on instruction from Muscatine Community College staff and officers from the Muscatine Police Department and participate in activities emphasizing certain aspects of law enforcement work. These include: physical conditioning, OWI processing and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Muscatine Special Operations Team (SWAT) operations, crime scene investigation, K-9 operations, evidence collection, medical training, and defensive tactics.

 

There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided. All high school students are eligible to apply, however space is limited. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors. Those that attend will have an opportunity to earn a $500 scholarship from the Muscatine Police Officers Association and a $500 scholarship from Muscatine Community College (if they choose to continue their education at one of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges). 

 

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2023. 

 

Watch Assistant Police Chief Steve Snyder’s presentation.

 

Download the Junior Police Academy poster.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Surplus golf simulator is put on the auction block

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine Department of Public Works (DPW) will conduct an on-line public surplus auction April 21, 2023, through May 5, 2023. The only item for bid is a used golf simulator at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course that was recently declared surplus.

All items are available to bid on through the auction web site www.publicsurplus.com starting April 21, 2023, and running through 3 p.m. on May 5, 2023. Potential bidders can go to that website, search for Iowa, and then City of Muscatine for the auction items. You must register to view items and to bid on items.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Public Works trains staff, “exercises” flood gate #1 Wednesday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Public Works Street Department spent Wednesday morning training staff and exercising Mississippi Drive Structure #1. The flood gate is located adjacent to the seawall at the eastern end of Mississippi Drive.

 

Tyson Wedekind, Roadway Maintenance Supervisor, stated that just four of the current staff had participated in a previous installation of the floodgate so the training was needed to get all staff up to speed on the deployment procedures for the gate.

 

Exercising the flood gate involves the installation of each piece of the structure, physical inspection of each piece and accomplishing repairs as needed, and dismantling and proper storage of each piece of the structure. Training was supervised by staff members who had participated in a previous installation.

 

Annual drills (exercises) are conducted to retain familiarity with the mechanics and manpower requirements of installing closure structures in years when the actual need to close does not occur. Sporadic intervals of personnel turnover make drills extremely necessary. Conduct gate closure drills on Mississippi Drive Structure #1 and on East 2nd Street Structure #2. The structure on East 2 nd Street was cleaned and exercised on March 15.

 

Flood gates were removed from 5th Street in 2006 when the bridge was elevated, therefore, no action is required at 5th Street. Two other flood gates cross CP Rail tracks including one across from the bluff on Mississippi Drive, and the other just south of Washington Street on the spur towards HeinzKraft.

 

The Mississippi River is currently at 14.33 feet and is expected to rise to 15.3 feet by next Tuesday. The current forecast is for the Mississippi to reach minor (16 feet) to moderate (18 feet) flood stage by the first week of May. A level of 18 feet would affect most of the parking area inside Riverside Park.

 

Watch a video of the procedure at https://youtu.be/lAtsmIy7IcI.

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To comment, provide a suggestion, or notify the city of an issue please visit MUSCATINE CONNECT, powered by SeeClickFix, or download the app from the Apple App store or Google Play. For more information visit CITIZEN REQUEST. Citizens also have the option, if they have a comment or concern, to email feedback@muscatineiowa.gov or pwrequest@muscatineiowa.gov. 

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

City to assist with tree debris removal this week

MUSCATINE – Iowa – Crews from the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be collecting tree and limb debris this week (March 27-31) that are the result of fallen tree branches (and in some cases whole trees) from last Saturday’s heavy, wet snow. Residents who have tree debris they would like the City to collect curbside need to call DPW (563-263-8933) to be placed on a list.

Residents can also contact DPW through the Muscatine Connect application powered by SeeClickFix on the residents’ smartphone or using their personal computer, laptop, or tablet and click MUSCATINE CONNECT for a direct link to the page. The app is available from the Apple App Store and from GooglePlay.

The debris needs to be placed curbside and within the following guidelines.

  • Smaller tree limbs need to be cut in four-foot lengths and bundled with string or cord;
  • Larger tree limbs (up to 10 inches in diameter) needs to be cut in no longer than 10-foot lengths;
  • Other larger tree debris will be collected (except for tree roots and stumps) if trimmed into small sections;
  • Bundles, larger tree limbs, and other tree debris needs to be placed curbside;
  • Contact Public Works (563-263-8933) to be placed on a list for curbside collection of larger tree limbs and larger tree debris;

REGULAR CURBSIDE YARD WASTE COLLECTION

The City of Muscatine continues to offer curbside pickup of grass clippings, leaves, and garden waste placed in City of Muscatine Yard Waste bags. These will be collected by the Solid Waste Division on the residents’ regular refuse collection day. 

Bags, tree limbs, and other trimmings should be placed near the refuse container on the day of scheduled pickup. Bags are available at Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Main Street, Fareway, and at the Muscatine Transfer Station when that facility is open to the public.

Yard waste bags that have store brand names on them will not be picked up curbside, but can be taken to the Compost Facility for disposal.

Visit Yard Waste Collection for more details.

COMPOST FACILITY IS OPEN

Residents will also be able to bring brush and branches less than 10 inches in diameter and 10 feet in length to the Muscatine Compost Facility at the Muscatine Transfer Station on South Houser Street. Larger trees and logs can also be taken to the location but tree stumps or roots are not accepted. All material brought to the compost facility needs to be secured during transportation to the compost site as loose material may fall onto city streets causing traffic hazards or damage to vehicles. 

The Compost Facility is located at 1000 South Houser Street in Muscatine and open from 12-5 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays. Non-residents and commercial users of the Compost Facility will be charged a fee for yard waste brought to the site. 

Visit Compost Facility for more details and to view the fee schedule for non-resident and for commercial users.

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Preparedness key lesson of Severe Weather Awareness Week

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD), National Weather Service (NWS), and Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA) have joined together to promote Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 27-31. 

“Iowa is no stranger to severe weather,” said HSEMD Director John Benson. “We frequently see tornadoes, flooding, straight-line winds and even derechos. So take the time now to prepare yourself and your family so you know what to do if severe weather is headed your way.”

Benson urges Iowans to take three simple steps to be better prepared:

  • Be aware of weather hazards by signing up for emergency notifications through Alert Iowa (alert.iowa.gov) or use a NOAA Weather Radio or other type of alerting tool.
  • Make an emergency plan with your family. Think about where you will go and what actions you will need to take to stay safe if you are impacted by severe weather.
  • Build an emergency kit with items you and your family will need if you must evacuate your home.

For each day during Severe Weather Awareness Week a different subject will be highlighted:

  • Monday – Severe thunderstorms
  • Tuesday – Weather alerts
  • Wednesday – Tornadoes
  • Thursday – Family preparedness
  • Friday – Flash floods

The annual statewide tornado drill will take place on Wed., March 29, beginning at 10 a.m. during the weekly NOAA Weather Radio test. In the event of severe weather, the drill will be postponed to March 30 at 10 a.m. Additional information about the tornado drill can be found on local NWS websites.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

The National Weather Service officially defines severe thunderstorms as storms that are capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs, and vehicles. Wind this strong is able to break off large branches, knock over trees, or cause structural damage to trees.

Some thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs or winds over 100 mph, so please pay attention to the weather as you know when severe storms are possible. Thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning, and heavy rain can cause flash flooding.

To learn more, visit the Severe Thunderstorm Safety page on the National Weather Service website.

Learn About Thunderstorms

Thunderstorm Safety (PDF)

RECEIVING WARNING INFORMATION

Today’s technology offers many ways to be alerted to severe weather. The most important point is to be intentional and proactive by having multiple ways to receive warnings, know which hazards alert on the various systems, choose the alert methods that work best for you in different situations (at home, at the ball park, etc.), and react quickly when the hazard occurs.

Some types of alerting systems include:

WEATHER WARNINGS

Do you know the difference between a National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning? Check your knowledge below.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.

Watches and Warnings (PDF)

TORNADO SAFETY

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year. Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains and the southeastern United States, they have been reported in all 50 states.

To learn more, visit the Tornado Safety page on the National Weather Service website.

FAMILY PREPAREDNESS

There are three simple steps that you can take to be more prepared at any time of the year for any emergency including weather related hazards.

  • Build A Kit – Create an emergency supply kit that would have everything that you would need to sustain you and your family for three to five days.
  • Make A Plan – Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is key. Make sure that everyone in your family knows what to do in the event of an emergency and practice that plan.
  • Be Aware – Learn about the hazards that can affect your community, and learn how to get information about current weather and road conditions.

More information can be found at READY IOWA.

FLOOD SAFETY

Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat in the United States and Muscatine has the annual threat of spring flooding of the Mississippi River. The National Weather Service offers a Flood Safety Tips and Resources page with valuable information on what to do before a flood, during a flood, and after a flood.

While there is more time to prepare for river flooding, there is little time to prepare for a flash flood, a rapid rise of water in low-lying areas that can be caused by heavy rain, ice or debris jams, and levee or dam failure. The most common cause in Muscatine is copious amounts of rainfall from thunderstorms. Remember to turn around and don’t drown.

Types of Advisories, Watches and Warnings

The information provided on the Ready Iowa Be Aware page is courtesy of the National Weather Service (NWS). These are hazards that regularly affect the state of Iowa. For additional information, visit your local NWS website.

Floods

  • A flood watch is issued when current and developing conditions are such that there is a threat of flooding, but the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent.
  • A flood warning is issued when there is flooding along larger streams causing a serious threat to life or property. A flood warning will usually contain river stage (level) forecasts.
  • A flash flood watch indicates that flash flooding is possible in and close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take quick action if a flash flood warning is issued or flooding is observed.
  • A flash flood warning signifies a dangerous situation where rapid flooding of small rivers, streams, creeks, or urban areas is imminent or already occurring.

Heat

  • A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following conditions: heat index of at least 105°F but less than 115°F for less than three hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80°F for two consecutive days.

Tornadoes/Wind

  • A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
  • A tornado warning means that a tornado is indicated by radar or has been sighted by storm spotters. The warning will include where the tornado is and what towns will be in its path.
  • A wind advisory is issued with sustained winds from 25 to 39 mph and/or gusts to 57 mph.

Severe Thunderstorms

  • A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
  • A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a thunderstorm produces hail 3/4 of an inch or larger in diameter and/or winds which equal or exceed 58 mph. Severe thunderstorms can result in the loss of life and/or property. Information in this warning includes: where the storm is, what towns will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm.

The NWS developed two new categories of damage threat for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. These tags and additional messaging are designed to promote immediate action, based on the threats.

  • The criteria for a destructive damage threat are at least 2.75-inch diameter (baseball-sized) hail and/or 80 mph thunderstorm winds. Warnings with this tag will automatically activate a WEA on smartphones within the warned area.
  • The criteria for a considerable damage threat are at least 1.75-inch diameter (golf ball-sized) hail and/or 70 mph thunderstorm winds. This will not activate a WEA.

Winter Weather

  • A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area.
  • A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way or are already here.
  • A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.
  • A blowing snow advisory is issued when wind-driven snow reduces surface visibility, possibly hampering travel.
  • A wind chill advisory is issued when the wind chill could be life threatening if action is not taken.
  • A wind chill warning is issued when the wind chill is life threatening.
  • A freezing rain/drizzle advisory is issued when freezing rain or freezing drizzle is forecast but a significant accumulation is not expected. However, even small amounts of freezing rain or freezing drizzle may cause significant travel problems.
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Washington Street closed at River Road for culvert repair

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works will close Washington Street at the River Road intersection Tuesday through Friday (March 21-24), weather depending, to replace a culvert. Public Works received a drainage complaint from residents in the area of the intersection and an investigation found that the culvert under Washington Street had collapsed.

A road closure is necessary to remove and replace the culvert. Since Washington is an asphalt street, the patch will be temporarily backfilled with asphalt millings and the street reopened to traffic. Once the hot-mix asphalt plants are open, a permanent patch will replace the temporary patch.

Access to residences on Washington Street from Highway 22 to River Road will be maintained but through traffic will not be allowed during the work. Access to River Road will be from the Highway 22 intersection with River Road reduced to one lane near the work area.

Drivers are asked to slow down, to be patient and obey all traffic control devices.

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Floodgate passes test; ready for use if needed

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works “exercised” the flood gate on 2nd Street at Mad Creek Wednesday (March 15) as part of a staff training exercise and in preparation for potential floods this spring and summer. 

“We have a lot of new people that have never been involved with closing this flood gate and a few that have only done it one time,” Tyson Wedekind, Roadway Maintenance Supervisor, said. “This was good training and a good exercise of the gate in case we have to close it for real in the case of a major flood event.”

The City of Muscatine closed East 2nd Street from Oak Street to Highway 92 and detoured traffic onto East 5th Street as the gate was moved into place, connecting and completing the flood wall that separates Mad Creek and HNI Corp.

Maintenance of the flood gate is conducted annually prior to the start of the spring flood season. 

PHOTO GALLERY

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Seasonal Job Fair at Municipal Golf Course March 18

MUSCATINE, Iowa –The Parks and Recreation Department is looking to hire dependable, hardworking individuals to fill a variety of seasonal positions for the 2023 spring and summer seasons. A job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, in the Clubhouse at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course. 

Parks and Recreation staff will be on hand to interact with attendees, discuss the job functions of available positions, and to discuss employment options.

If you are an individual who may consider a flexible work schedule, able to focus on higher level skills like safety and customer service, or an individual looking for their first job but willing and able to learn on the job, the Parks and Recreation Department has an opportunity for you.

A variety of positions are available including lifeguards, slide attendants, cashiers, equipment operators, office clerk, Golf Clubhouse supervisors, gas dock attendants, recreation program leaders, seasonal maintenance laborers, groundskeepers and College Search Kickoff program assistants. 

Come out to the Golf Course to talk with current staff, review open positions, and fill out an application. Interested persons may also fill out an application ahead of time by visiting the Career Center on the City of Muscatine website.

For more information, please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241.

Parks and Rec seasonal job fair promo with jobs (JPG) 031523

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City to close 2nd Street Wednesday for flood gate maintenance

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works is planning to exercise the flood gate on 2nd Street at Mad Creek as part of a training exercise and flood preparedness plan. 

The City of Muscatine plans to close East 2nd Street from Oak Street to Highway 92 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, as the gate is moved into place to complete the flood wall and then moved back to its storage location.

The detour for the street closure will be to use East 5th Street from either Park Avenue or from Oak Street.

Maintenance of the flood gate is usually conducted annually prior to the start of the spring flood season. The National Weather Service has indicated that there is a well above normal risk for flooding in their 2023 Spring Flood Outlook with the highest potential for moderate flooding (above 18 feet) the last two weeks of April.

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Police tentatively identify body found in Discovery Park

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department (MPD) has tentatively identified the deceased male that was located in Discovery Park Friday (March 3) as 21-year-old Trevor Allen Wixom. The MPD is awaiting final confirmation of the deceased from the State Pathologist.

Wixom was reported as a missing person in October 2022. For the past several months, the MPD has been conducting an ongoing investigation in an effort to locate Wixom.

MPD responded to Muscatine’s Discovery Park at around 10:45 a.m. Friday on a report of a possibly deceased person found within the boundaries of the park. Investigators from the Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, and Muscatine County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

The case remains under investigation. Any person who believes they have information regarding Wixom and/or the investigation, please contact Sergeant Jeff DeVrieze at (563) 263 – 9922, ext. 629.

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Deceased individual found in Discovery Park Friday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department responded to Discovery Park, located in the 3200 block of Cedar Street in Muscatine, at around 10:45 a.m. Friday (March 3) for reports of a possibly deceased person found within the boundaries of the park. 

Muscatine Police Department personnel responded and located the deceased body of a male subject at that location. Investigators from the Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, and Muscatine County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to assist in the investigation. 

The identity of the male individual located is being withheld pending further verified identification and notifications to family. 

If any person has information pertaining to the investigation, please contact Sergeant Jeff DeVrieze at (563) 263 – 9922, ext. 629.

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Public comment sought on moving two bus shelters

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Transit Division (MuscaBus) of the Department of Public Works is seeking public comment on a proposal to move two bus shelters in Muscatine. Public comments will be taken from Feb. 23 through March 9 by calling MuscaBus at 563-263-8152 or by emailing Transit Supervisor Amy Fortenbacher at afortenbacher@muscatineiowa.gov.

Liberty Street ShelterThe first bus shelter that is proposed to be moved is at the intersection of Liberty and Warren streets. The shelter is currently located on Liberty Street but will be moved around the corner to Warren Street. The move will accommodate the addition of the pedestrian/bike trail that is being installed as part of the street/sidewalk reconstruction in the area.

The second bus shelter is currently located on East 5th Street just east of the Mulberry Avenue intersection. The Transit Division proposes to relocate the shelter closer to residential housing on Bloomington Lane. The current MuscBus stop on Bloomington Lane between Sunset Park and the Muscatine Soccer Complex does not have a shelter.

The 5th Street location has not been used as a bus shBloomington Lane Stopelter, but used more as a place to congregate and smoke.

If you would like to leave a comment or would like additional information, please call MuscaBus at 563-263-8152 or email Transit Supervisor Amy Fortenbacher at afortenbacher@muscatineiowa.gov. 

The public comment period is open Feb. 23 through March 9.

INFORMATION FLYER

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Parks and Rec seasonal job fair is February 11

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department will host a job fair from 10 a.m. to12 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, in the Clubhouse at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course looking to recruit dependable, hardworking individuals to fill seasonal positions for the spring and summer of 2023. 

A variety of opportunities are available including lifeguards, slide attendants, cashiers, equipment operators, office clerk, Golf Clubhouse supervisors, gas dock attendants, recreation program leaders, seasonal maintenance laborers, groundskeepers and College Search Kickoff program assistants. 

Come out to the Golf Course to talk with current staff, review open positions, and fill out an application. Interested persons may also fill out an application ahead of time by visiting the Career Center on the City of Muscatine website.

For more information, please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241.

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Muscatine Police release annual report for 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department has released the 2022 annual report highlighting the activities of the various divisions and programs sponsored by the department. Click on the following link to download the 2022 Annual Report as a PDF. 

One of the highlights from the Patrol Division is the success of the Project ABLE program, a concept designed to prevent public harm through developing a department-wide commitment to the ideals of peer intervention. Training to the Project ABLE standards has resulted in no personnel complaints in 2022.

Several programs also saw continued success in 2022 including:

  • The POPCAN Project works to create a safer environment in places where a higher volume of calls for service and serious incidents have transpired.
  • The Code Blue program assisted six families in need during 2022 by providing meals and emotional support.
  • The “Book and a Badge” series, a partnership with Musser Public Library that talks about different aspects of a police officer’s job and allowed officers to read a book to children during each episode.
  • Continued support for the Muscatine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) group that is helping to ensure that all segments of the Muscatine community feel included and supported.
  • Continued use of Problem Oriented Policing (POP) and Community Policing (COP) projects as the cornerstone of proactive law enforcement efforts in Muscatine. That allows for greater communication and interaction between citizens and law enforcement. 

Be sure to download and review the report for more detailed information about these and other programs and divisions sponsored by the Muscatine Police Department.

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Muscatine Fire responds to record number of calls in 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – It was another record setting year for the Muscatine Fire Department, but it is not one of those records you like to break at all. The Muscatine Fire Department responded to a record 5,909 calls for service in 2022, breaking the previous record of 5,709 calls that was answered in 2021. If you thought that the Muscatine Fire Department was busy in 2021, you were right. The Department responded to 5,238 calls for service in 2019.

The record call volume continues a steady upward trend in service calls with the number of calls climbing 47 percent over the last decade. The Department has seen the number of service calls top 5,000 annually in each of the last six years including 5,100 in 2017, 5,027 in 2018, 5,238 in 2019, 5,034 in 2020, and 5,709 in 2021.

Medical calls made up 86.2 percent of the service calls in 2022, down from 91 percent of service calls in 2021 and 92 percent in 2020. The Department responded to 817 fire incidents in 2022, a 37 percent increase over 2021 (521 fire responses).

Five of the 12 months in 2022 saw the Department respond to over 500 calls with December leading the way with 591 calls followed by November (537), July (523), June (519), and May (504. February had the highest fire responses at 79 with April next at 75, and December with 74. December had the highest number of medical calls at 373 with November second at 338.

MFD Fast Facts:

  • Every fire call category was up in 2022 including the most building fires in the last 10 years.
  • The top five fire responses in 2022 were structure fires (51), vehicle fires (15), vegetation fires (15), trash fires (11), and cooking fires (7).
  • Training continues to be a main ingredient for the life of a Muscatine firefighter with the department conducting 11,586 hours of training in 2022.

Click on the following link to download the 2022 Annual Report as a PDF. 

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Muscatine Fire Department renews prevention efforts

MUSCATINE, Iowa – It may surprise you that the main mission of the Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) is not just to fight fires, but also to educate the public on preventing fires from occurring in homes and businesses.

“An important part of our mission is to put out fires,” Battalion Chief Ted Hillard said. “But another important part, and perhaps the most important part, is the prevention of fires through public education and building inspections.”

The week of January 16-22, 2023, was designated as Community Risk Reduction Week with the goal to build healthy, safe, and resilient communities by raising awareness to reduce the occurrence and impact of emergency events to the community and to first responders, thus making the community safer.

“We want to prevent fires from happening,” Hillard said. “By hosting educational events for residents of all ages, especially young children, and by conducting building inspections of businesses, we hope to prevent fires from occurring.”

When the COVID pandemic first started, protocols were instituted that prevented the fire department from going out into the community to do fire inspections and sponsor educational programs.

“We have now resumed those operations,” Hillard noted.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), fire departments are uniquely positioned to know their communities better than most other organizations. Firefighters and emergency medical services responders see firsthand, whether through medical calls, inspections, or simply driving through the community, how people live and the needs they have.

The primary goal of fire safety efforts is to protect building occupants from injury and to prevent loss of life. The secondary goal of fire safety is to prevent property damage. By preventing fires and limiting damage we can assure that work operations will continue.

This past December Muscatine Fire completed 19 fire inspections (176 in 2022), six fire re-inspections (128 in 2022), and eight educational events (52 in 2022) while also conducting four plan reviews/site visits (236 in 2022).

“When we inspect buildings, we are not only looking for potential fire code violations, we are also observing the layout for potential safety issues should we be called to a fire in the building,” Hillard said. “The safety of the building occupants (owners, staff, customers, and/or residents), has a high priority as well as the safety of our fire firefighters.”

The Public Safety Open House, held each October, has been a good venue for children and their caregivers to visit the firehouse, learn what a firefighter does, and learn about fire prevention. MFD also hosts school groups in the firehouse for interactive learning with Freddy, a remotely controlled child sized fire engine.

MFD is also planning to resume educational programs for youth in kindergarten through the fourth grade, as well as educational programs for adults.

“We have had many occasions where what we have taught young children about fire safety has come back to them leading their family to safety during a home fire,” Hillard said. “The more we can educate, the more we can prevent fires from occurring.”

Part of that education is an emphasis on the three P’s of fire prevention … prepare, prevent, and practice. Preparing your home or business by installing smoke alarms, checking electrical wiring, and having fire extinguishers available. Home owners should also have an escape plan should a fire occur that includes having a predetermined spot to meet outside.

“One of the things we talk about is the need to have an identified gathering spot for the family to meet,” Hillard said. “This needs to be practiced so everyone in the house knows what to do. The last thing we want is for someone to go back into a structure that is on fire in search of a family member.”

If you have questions or would like more information about Community Risk Reduction, contact the Muscatine Fire Department 563-263-9233. 

About the Muscatine Fire Department: 

The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services, rescues (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine, and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County with a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles while also providing HAZMAT for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties. MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to 5,909 calls in 2022. The Muscatine Fire Department began as a volunteer fire company on January 7, 1875 and was established as a full-time department in January 1916. The Muscatine Fire Department ambulance service received the 2012 Career Ambulance service of the Year Award from Iowa Emergency Medical Services.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Concession lease proposals sought by City of Muscatine

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine and the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department are requesting proposals from individuals and/or organizations who would be interested in providing concession services at either or all of the following facilities: the Muscatine Soccer Complex; Kent Stein Park; and, the Muscatine Aquatic Center.

Information regarding the request for proposal is available on the City of Muscatine website under CONCESSION LEASE PROPOSAL. Those wishing to submit a proposal are asked to complete the form and return it to the Muscatine Finance Department by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.

Proposals are not a bid and will be evaluated on concession food service experience, ability to provide concession equipment as needed, completeness of proposal, highest percentage of gross sales proposed to the City, ability to provide staff as needed, and experience in working with the public.

Please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241 for more information or to schedule a tour of the concession stands. 

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine teen charged in residential burglary

MUSCATINE, Iowa – At approximately 11:08 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 5, 2023), the Muscatine Police Department responded to 614 Monroe Street for a report of a residential burglary in progress. 

Police arrived at the residence and the suspect, who was armed with a firearm, escaped through an upstairs window of the house.  Police pursued the suspect on foot for a short distance before the suspect was subdued. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Muscatine County Jail by police. 

The suspect was identified as 19- year-old Dante Chesmore of 314 Pine Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

Chesmore was charged with Burglary 2nd (C Felony), Possession of a Short Barrel Rifle (D Felony), Carrying Weapons (Aggravated Misdemeanor), Trafficking Stolen Weapons (C Felony), Going Armed with Intent (D Felony), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (D Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana (Class D) and Interference with Official Acts (Class D).

Chesmore is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone who has information relevant to the case may contact Lt. David O’Connor at 563-263-9922 ext. 608. 

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Online surplus auction scheduled for January

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine Department of Public Works (DPW) will conduct an on-line public surplus auction January 4, 2023, through January 18, 2023. Randy Moeller, Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Muscatine, has indicated that two surplus pickup trucks will be available.

All items are available to bid on through the auction web site www.publicsurplus.com starting January 4, 2023, and running through 3 p.m. on January 18, 2023. Potential bidders can go to that website, search for Iowa, and then City of Muscatine for the auction items. You must register to view items and to bid on items.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Soccer skills camp planned; registration now open

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is offering an introductory program for boys and girls in kindergarten through the third grade teaching the fundamental skills of soccer through fun drills and scrimmages. 

Trained staff will lead the children in this instructional program once a week for four weeks.

The Soccer Skills Clinic will take place on Saturdays, January 7-28, in the Central Middle School Gymnasium. Children in kindergarten and first grade will play from 8:30-9:25 a.m. while children in the second and third grades will play from 9:30-10:25 a.m. 

Registration is currently underway through 5 p.m. on Friday, December 30. Registration fee is $25.00 for Muscatine residents and $30.00 for non-residents. The fee includes a tee shirt. Do not wait to reserve your spot: visit the Parks and Recreation Department office in the lower level of City Hall, register by phone at (563) 263-0241 or sign up online.

For more information contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241. 

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