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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Boys basketball clinic registration is underway

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for the Grades 1-6 Boys Basketball Clinic. This program will be held on Saturday afternoons, January 7-28, in the Central Middle School Gymnasium.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basketball through ball handling, shooting, and defensive techniques from trained Parks and Recreation staff. 

Three age divisions will be offered for boys in the first through sixth grades. First and second grade boys will start at 2:00 pm, while third and fourth grade boys will play at 3:00 pm, and fifth and sixth grade boys will begin at 4:00 pm. 

Registrations are being taken now with a $30.00 fee for Muscatine residents and a $35.00 fee for non-residents. All participants will receive a tee-shirt. You may reserve your spot over the phone at (563) 263-0241, in-person at the Parks and Recreation Department office, or by going online. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, December 30.

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

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

City preparing for potential winter storm later this week

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works was out coating the streets of Muscatine with brine in anticipation of a potential winter storm that could move into the area Wednesday night through Saturday.

“Crews were out today spreading salt and brine on city streets,” Brian Stineman, Public Works Director said. “This storm, if it arrives as currently forecasted, has the potential to bring a lot of snow and high winds into the area.”

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for Muscatine County at 2:42 p.m. Monday indicating that heavy snow is possible with accumulations of 5-10 inches and wind gusts as high as 50 mph. Blizzard conditions will also be possible with extreme cold wind chills as well. The watch is in effect from late Wednesday night through late Friday night.

Very cold temperatures will also arrive late in the week and, combined with the wind, could create wind chill values dropping to as low as 25 to 35 below at times.

Stineman indicated that there is a potential for the City of Muscatine to declare a Snow Emergency, which would be the first under the revised Snow Emergency Ordinance.

“We will be watching the weather forecast and will make a decision Wednesday afternoon,” Stineman said. “We do urge residents to make preparations and locate off-street parking for their vehicles as the storm arrives.”

According to the revised code, when weather conditions warrant the declaration of a snow emergency motor traffic will be expedited and parking on City of Muscatine streets will be prohibited or restricted for snow plowing and other purposes. Public notice will be provided prior to the implementation of a Snow Emergency declaration.

During a declared snow emergency, no person shall park, or allow to remain parked, any vehicle on any portion of a Snow Emergency route. Here is a MAP of the Snow Emergency routes.

Once a Snow Emergency ends there is still the possibility of parking restrictions as Department of Public Works crews push back the snow to the curb. 

The Snow Push Back policy would be implemented, if needed, once snow removal operations are complete to the appropriate levels of service on all Class I, Class II, and Class III roadways. See SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICY for the classifications of different roadways. 

Residents will be provided 24-hour notice prior to the implementation of the Snow Push Back policy’s odd-even parking plan. See SNOW PUSH BACK POLICY for more information on parking restrictions.

The National Weather Service reminds residents that travel could be difficult with widespread blowing snow that could significantly reduce visibility. The cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

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SIM-IA brings EMS training to Muscatine Fire Department

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Muscatine Fire Department staff took advantage of a unique opportunity over the course of the last three days, thanks to a unique program offered by the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Simulation In Motion-Iowa is a unique program designed to provide simulated clinical opportunities with state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained staff enhancing the education of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.

“This is the first time that Muscatine Fire has ever used this training opportunity, Lt. Andrew McSorley, Critical Care Paramedic with Muscatine Fire, said. “This is very solid training and, from everyone’s responses, we will be doing ore of this in the future.”

The mobile simulation labs contain two areas that resemble the inside of an ambulance separated by a control room. Each of the two “ambulances” have a different medical training scenario for EMS personnel to experience.

The instructors are located in a control room that separates the two “ambulances” where they control the state-of-the-art manikins used in the training scenarios. Each manikin mimics a real individual in that they can talk, blink, breathe, have pulses, can bleed, vomit, or sweat, and just about anything else a real victim might be going through.

In one ambulance was an individual who had fallen 18 feet to the ground from a tree stand with a large stick penetrating one leg. In the other ambulance was a juvenile who was very sick.

Working in teams of two, the Muscatine Fire Department members were presented a scenario for each victim and then were evaluated on how they assessed and treated the victim. The instructor, acting as the victim, would interact with the MFD staff members as they proceeded with the assessment and treatment.

“We ran the entire department through various scenarios to work on skills that you may not get to do very often,” Lt. McSorley said.

After each scenario the instructors break down the session with the EMS personnel, going over what worked, what could have been done better, and what was learned.

“This is a realistic EMS training mobile unit that is 100 percent cost free to any EMS service upon request,” Lt. McSorley said. 

According to the Simulation in Motion-Iowa website, SIM-IA focuses on providing high, mid, and low fidelity simulation experiences to healthcare providers across the State of Iowa. While clinical simulations can be found in many formal education programs for students, simulation resources are often not readily accessible for certified and licensed providers.

Providing clinical simulations for healthcare professionals beyond their initial education provides opportunities to:

  • promote active and engaged learning of new procedures, equipment, and skills
  • experience clinical situations that may occur less frequently, especially in rural areas
  • practice essential teamwork and communication skills
  • discover procedural, resource, or access challenges before impacting patient care
  • ensure the highest quality care and evidence-based practice across the state

SIM-IA’s mobile program brings clinical simulations to the healthcare providers, in their clinical settings, rather than requiring travel to distant simulation centers. This unique feature allows more health care professionals to train together without disrupting staffing, patient care, and reduces both education and travel expenses. 

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Elves Workshop to be held December 10 at Muscatine Mall

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the Elves Workshop, an annual event returning to the Muscatine Mall just in time for the final push before Christmas. The event will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022. 

Santa and his elves are taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the North Pole, and now it is your turn to be an elf for a day. Children will visit Santa’s workshop to decorate crafts, make their very own holiday cards, participate in reindeer games and even talk to Saint Nick himself. Fun and games will be aplenty when the Muscatine Mall transforms into the North Pole. 

The Elves Workshop is a FREE activity for children and families with no pre-registration required. 

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

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

City working to catch up in leaf collection

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The fall leaf collection program conducted by the Department of Public Works (DPW) is behind schedule for the second round, and are still working to collect leaves in Zone 6, one of the most heavily tree ladened zones in the city. Once Zone 6, DPW crews will move into Zone 7 and then to Zone 8 to complete the second round.

Two crews are currently working in Zone 6 with a third truck anticipated to join the effort once personnel can be allocated to crew the truck from other projects.

Residents who have already raked their leaves to the curb are asked to be patient and that city crews will collect the deposited leaves as they move through each zone. An additional round of collection through the eight city zones is dependent on the weather.

Additional announcements will be made as the trucks move into additional zones. Residents are asked to be patient as the effort continues. For additional information or if you have questions, please email feedback@muscatineiowa.gov.  

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Veteran Muscatine police officer is named new Police Chief

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A 17-year-veteran of the Muscatine Police Department has been selected as the next Chief of Police for the City of Muscatine pending approval by the Muscatine City Council at their December 1 meeting. Captain Anthony (Tony) Kies was selected following an extremely competitive process and will assume the Chief role following the retirement of current Police Chief, Brett Talkington, in February 2023.  

“Tony is committed to upholding the values of public service, ethical leadership and professionalism – all while maintaining a sense of humor, Carol Webb, City Administrator, said. “He is extremely passionate about Muscatine and will serve our community well in this new role.”

Kies currently serves as Captain of Patrol/Division Commander, a position he was promoted to in 2021, leading over 30 officers that provide a variety of services including general law enforcement, school resources, animal control, and community engagement.

Kies’ rise up the ranks in the Muscatine Police Department began when he joined the department in 2003. He was named corporal in 2005, promoted to sergeant in the patrol division in 2009, and lieutenant in the patrol division in 2011.

He was named the Investigative Lieutenant in 2018 leading the investigative unit that includes the Major Crime Unit, Street Crime Unit, and Drug Task Force Operations. During this time Kies was instrumental in the development and supervision of the Muscatine Evidence Technician Team, and coordinating citizen training opportunities utilizing the Major Crimes Division and Street Crimes Division.

Also in 2018, Kies created and developed the Muscatine Special Operations Response team (MSORT), and currently serves as the commander. The multi-jurisdictional SWAT team is linked with seven different agencies in three counties to ensure the safety of community members.

Kies is a member of the National Tactical Officers Association, Heartland Tactical Officers Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Muscatine Charities Incorporated, and serves as an instructor for the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

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Fall leaf collection resumes after pause for winter weather

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The fall leaf collection program was resumed by the Department of Public Works (DPW) Thursday after pausing for the past three days due to the winter weather that moved through Muscatine earlier this week. 

Snow and ice control take precedence over all other work as trucks are outfitted with plows and salt boxes prior to the arrival of winter weather. Once the control efforts have been completed, the DPW trucks are washed down due to the accumulation of salt and put back into regular service. 

One leaf vacuum truck was out Thursday with one more truck joining the effort on Friday according to DPW officials. Leaf collection completed Zone 5 Thursday and will start in Zone 6 Friday working through zones 7 and 8 to complete the second round.

Residents who have already raked their leaves to the curb are asked to be patient and that city crews will collect the deposited leaves as they move through each zone. An additional round of collection through the eight city zones is dependent on the weather.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Candy Cane Hunt returns to the riverfront in 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine and the Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to come down to the riverfront December 2 and join in on some deliciously good fun with the annual Candy Cane Hunt. 

Hunters and spectators are asked to gather outside of the Pearl City Station in Riverside Park with the hunt beginning at 6:00 p.m. Areas for the hunt will be set up in the green space near the basketball courts for two age groups including pre-kindergarten through first grade and second through fourth grade girls and boys.

Children will sweep through the designated areas gathering up the sweet treats that they will be able to keep. The young hunters will receive a prize for each candy cane found. “Special” candy canes will be sprinkled around that can be redeemed at Pearl City Station for a special toy. 

The Candy Cane Hunt will be held in the dark, so bring a flashlight if you wish. LED flashlights will be available from our sponsors if you do not have one.

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

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City to begin Fall leaf collection effort October 17

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Leaves have begun to fall throughout Muscatine with the Department of Public Works once again providing a valued service to the citizens of Muscatine with the annual Fall Leaf Pickup.

Leaf vacuum trucks have already started hitting the streets of Muscatine today Monday (Oct. 17) in Zone 1 (see map) for the 2022 Fall Leaf Pickup. There are eight zones that the leaf trucks will work through on consecutive weekdays. 

The second pass begins on Oct. 27 with leaf collection concluding with a final pass, weather permitting and if needed, starting on Dec. 1.

Leaf trucks may be working in zones prior to pick up day but will return on (or after) the scheduled date as needed. Residents are asked to have leaves raked out next to curb by 7 a.m. on the day of leaf pickup and to avoid parking on the street during their collection day. Leaf piles blocked by cars will not be collected until the cars are moved.  

Residents are also asked not to mix trash, branches, or other yard waste with their leaf piles.

As we move further into fall, the possibility of inclement weather increases. Leaf collection operations may be postponed as snow and ice control take priority.

The Compost Site at the Transfer Station will remain open throughout the fall season, weather permitting. The Compost Site will be open from 12-6 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 9 a.m-6 p.m. on Saturdays.

2022 Leaf Collection Schedule and Map (JPG)Here are some additional guidelines for leaf collection:

  • Leaves should be placed near, but not beyond, the curb and should be within reach of the leaf vacuum.
  • Leaves should be free of tree branches and twig as they can cause the leaf vacuums to clog up.
  • All leaves must be placed outside of fenced areas.
  • Leaves are not to be placed in the street to avoid clogging storm drains.
  • Leaves should not be placed in street or extend into traffic lanes, thereby creating traffic hazards.
  • Leaves should not be placed around obstacles such as mailbox posts, sign posts, and light poles.
  • Crews will not pick up leaves mixed with debris, logs, branches, rocks, plastic, metal or glass containers, or any other types of refuse.
  • Leaves should not be placed on City cul-de-sacs, vacant land, or city property except on the public right-of-way along the curb/shoulder area.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at 563-263-8933.

Iowa DNR encourages top three ways to handle fall leaves –

Fall leaves are beautiful – until they pile up in your yard. Don’t send those precious nutrients up in smoke (it is actually illegal to burn yard waste in Muscatine on properties of two acres or less). Instead, put those nuisance leaf piles to good use. Leaves, small branches and other landscape materials can nourish your lawn, garden or community.

It’s easy: 

  1. Compost. Composting leaves and food scraps is a great way to turn this waste into garden nutrients. A good compost mix needs both carbon (dead or dry leaves) and nitrogen (green materials like food scraps and grass clippings). Many types and sizes of compost containers are available. For tips on low-tech ways to compost, see a DNR tutorial.  
  2. Mulch. Your lawn will love you if you chop up and leave your leaves in place. Leaves are a free, natural fertilizer that enriches your soil with organic matter. You can use your regular lawn mower. Or, use a mulching lawn mower to shred and mix leaves and grass into your yard.  
  3. Bag it. If you have too many leaves or branches to compost, you can bag the leaves and tie up the branches to be collected or have a dropped-off at the Muscatine Compost Facility. The upside is that anyone can pick up composted materials for their yards or gardens from the Compost Facility.
  1. Yard waste is collected on a residents refuse collection day but only in bags with the City of Muscatine logo on them. (See GUIDLELINES). 
  2. Yard Waste in any paper bag along with tree limbs and other trimmings can be taken to the Compost Facility during normal hours operation. 
  3. Residents of Muscatine and Fruitland can drop off yard waste free of change with proof of residency. A small fee is charged for non-residents.

For some, burning leaves seems to capture the nostalgic smell of autumn. But breathing leaf smoke pulls pollutants such as carbon monoxide, soot and toxic chemicals into your lungs. While it may smell good, smoke is especially harmful to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart problems. Turning leaves into nutrients is the healthy way to protect your and your neighbor’s lungs.

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Registration open for winter adult Volleyball leagues

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is now taking registrations for the winter 2022-2023 adult volleyball leagues. The leagues will be split into two divisions including the competitive power league and the recreational league. New teams are always welcome and encouraged to join.

League play will run November through March at Central Middle School and Jefferson Elementary School. The coed recreation league will play on Tuesday and Thursday evenings while the coed power league will play on Wednesday evenings. 

Registrations are being accepted now in the Parks and Recreation Department office located in the lower level of City Hall at 215 Sycamore Street. The team fee is $225 per team with a $5 fee assessed for every non-resident player on the roster. Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28.

Team registration forms, roster forms, and rules are available online at www.muscatineiowa.gov/438/Adult-Recreation-Programs. 

For more information, please call the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241, or email at parksoffice@muscatineiowa.gov.

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Fire Department urges families to create fire escape plan

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention WeekTM (FPW), which is scheduled for October 9-15, 2022. This year’s FPW campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escapeTM”, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

“Today’s homes burn faster than ever,” Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA, said. “You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.” 

The Muscatine Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme.

“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape,” Jerry Ewers, Muscatine Fire Chief, said. “Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different.” 

“Have a plan for everyone in the home,” Ewers said. “Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them.”

Muscatine Fire Department wants to share these key home fire escape planning tips:

  • Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  • Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound. 
  • Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
  • Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet. 
  • Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit fpw.org and sparky.org.

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Firefighters conduct training in vacant home

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Fire Department continued their training regimen Wednesday morning conducted a training exercise in a vacant home on Cedar Street. Various pieces of equipment were brought to the scene for the exercise and staged in the Zion Lutheran Church parking lot.

“We were given permission to conduct training in the house as long as we didn’t tear it up too much,” Battalion Chief Ted Hillard said.

The scenario for today’s exercise was a fire on the second floor of the residential home. However, a “victim” was discovered on the main floor when firefighters entered the home and that “victim” was rescued before firefighters proceeded upstairs to find, contain, and put out the fire.

“We then had another little twist that the firefighters had to deal with,” Hillard said.

One firefighter was “injured” while attacking the fire and that necessitated the implementation of Rapid Intervention Protocol to remove the injured firefighter from the residence.

Firefighters then gathered outside the structure once the exercise was completed to review what had happened and what could be done better.

Real life intervened as the discussion winded down as firefighters were called to a medical emergency.

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MFD rescue team conducts training on MPW water tower

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) conducted a high angle rescue drill at the Muscatine Water Tower located off of the U.S. Highway 61 By-pass Monday (Sept. 12) with the cooperation of Muscatine Power & Water (MPW). 

The exercise simulated a HIRT member going down to rescue an individual who had fallen and was injured while painting the outside of the water tower approximately 150 feet about ground level. The objectives of the exercise were to perform a knot pass, unload a system, and perform a pick off of a victim on the outside of the water tower. Several HIRT members also rappelled down the outside of the water tower. 

HIRT takes the knowledge gained from these exercises and provides training to MFD shift members.

HIRT and MFD continually train for a variety of high-risk rescues including high-angle rescues, ice/water rescues/ trench rescues. Firefighters also train in auto extrication, fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials, and ambulance transport.

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Moment of Silence to be held Sunday at Fire Station

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Fire Department, Muscatine Police Department, and the City of Muscatine invite area residents to visit the Muscatine Firefighters Memorial on the corner of Fifth and Cedar where a Moment of Silence will be held at 7 a.m., Sunday, September 11, 2022. 

“We remember the citizens who died, the 343 firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice that day, the other responders who perished, and the families of the fallen who have had to endure more than we can know,” Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hartman said. 

A memorial stair climb will be conducted in the training tower at the Public Safety Building starting at 9 a.m. Firefighters Joe Conlon will participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb that pays tribute to the 343 FDNY (Fire Department of New York) firefighters who lost their lives racing up the stairs of the Twin Towers to rescue victims of the attack. 

The Memorial Stair Climb effort is 25 and a half round trips of the training tower and that is equivalent to the 2,200 steps, or 110 stories, that was the highest point firefighters reached on that day before the first tower collapsed. Spectators are welcome to watch the stair climb from the alley behind the Public Safety Building. 

At the end of the stair climb, a bell rescued from an old fire truck, will be rung five times, a long standing firefighter tradition that is the bell code for back in quarters. 

This is the 21st Anniversary of the coordinated terrorist’s attacks that resulted in 2,977 fatalities and over 25,000 injuries, many of whom have been plagued by substantial health concerns since the attack. 

“We also remember the strength of our brother and sister responders, their families who supported them, and the nation’s response as a whole,” Hartman said. “Great loss reveals character, and we as a nation stood tall on this day so many years ago. As we grieve the loss we can take solace in our response to this event. Stay safe, and stay strong.” 

A memorial service for Mike Kruse, the only Muscatine Fire Fighter to die in the line of duty, will be held at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Firefighters Memorial. The public is invited to attend the service.

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Six teenagers are charged with Madison School break-in

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Six teenagers have been arrested by the Muscatine Police Department (MPD) following an investigation into the break-in and vandalism of Madison Elementary School in August.

The MPD and Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) responded to Madison Elementary School, 1820 1st Ave, for a fire alarm on August 5, 2022. When officers arrived they observed thousands of dollars of damage inside the school due to vandalism. 

An ongoing MPD investigation has resulted in the arrest of six teenagers for their involvement during the incident at Madison Elementary School.

The following arrests were made:

  • Male, age 17 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony)
  • Male, age 16 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony);
  • Female, age 16 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony);
  • Female, age 15 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony); 
  • Female, age 16 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony); and, 
  • Female, age 18 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony).

The Criminal Investigation by the MPD is continuing. Please contact Detective Jeff DeVrieze at 563-263-9922 extension 611 if you have any information about this incident. Callers may remain anonymous. 

PD RELEASE

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Vision Center partnership will add trees to the community

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Vision Center, P.C., and the City of Muscatine Department of Parks and Recreation have partnered on a rather unique project to plant trees in Muscatine and the surrounding area. The Vision Center is donating a tree to the Muscatine community with every purchase of Botaniq eyewear, and Botaniq pledges to plant one tree in partnership with One Tree Planted.

“When the rep (Jan) came in with this new line, she explained what Tura was doing with planting a tree for every frame sold,” Tawnya Strause of the Vision Center said. “It inspired us to do the same thing for our community. Not only are the glasses unique but the company was wanting to help with replacing trees for our planet and so does Vision Center.”

An initial tree planting is scheduled for September 20 inside Riverside Park with the assistance of Parks and Recreation Park Maintenance Superintendent Nick Gow and Landscape Horticulturist Melissa Baker. One larger tree was purchased to start the program with 25 saplings purchased from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that will be allowed to grow before being planted on future planting days.

The Vision Center has made a two-year commitment to the program with plans to do another planting in Spring 2023.

Tura, Inc., a Vision Center provider, is offering a new earth friendly brand of sustainable products and a manufacturing process that integrates eco-friendly packaging for frames … Botaniq Eyewear. Every element of Botaniq eyewear is designed with style and the planet in mind with the raw materials ISO-certified, which means they are environmentally safe. Some of the materials that make their product special is bio-based acetate, 60 percent stainless steel, and natural wood

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Sport Starters introduces sports to toddlers and parents

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is now taking registrations for Sport Starters, an introductory sports program for two- and three-year-old children with their parents. Participants will work on basic motor skills, socialization, and spend quality time with their parent while playing a variety of sports and games. Parent participation is required for this program.

The Muscatine Parks and Recreation staff will introduce a different sport each week such as soccer, football, tee-ball, volleyball and more. Each sport will be supplemented with a few different games to keep your child learning and experiencing over the course of this 45-minute class outside the Pearl City Station on the riverfront. Classes will be held on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. beginning September 13 and running through October 20.

Registration is being taken now in the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department office in the lower level of City hall, over the phone at (563) 263-0241, and online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/muscatine/Home. The resident fee is $25.00 while the non-resident fee is $30.00. Reserve your spot by Tuesday, September 6.

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

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Parks and Rec, other City departments seek job applicants

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is recruiting dependable, hard workers to fill various positions for Fall 2022 and for Winter 2022/2023.  Positions are available at the Muscatine Soccer Complex, Kent Stein Park, Greenwood Cemetery, Park Maintenance and for various recreation programs.

A variety of job opportunities are available including:

  • Seasonal Equipment Operator ($12.00/hr)
  • Seasonal Groundskeeper ($12.00/hr)
  • Lead Groundskeeper ($14.00/hr)
  • On-Site Supervisor ($12.00/hr)
  • Football Program Instructor ($14.00/hr)
  • Flag Football Official ($13.00/hr)
  • Basketball Program Instructor ($14.00/hr)
  • Soccer Program Instructor ($14.00/hr)
  • Baseball/Softball Program Instructor ($14.00/hr)
  • Recreation Program Aide ($11.00/hr)

Submit an application on the City of Muscatine’s Career Center webpage. Please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241 for more information. 

Additional Employment Opportunities

A variety of full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment opportunities are available and the City of Muscatine is actively seeking applicants who have the desire and interest to work for an organization that takes pride in their community, pride in community service, and pride in their employees. Individuals within a 30-mile radius of the Muscatine city limits (including Iowa and Illinois residents) are eligible to apply.

Transit Driver

MuscaBus is looking to fill an opening in our night time ride program. The job consists of operating public transit vehicle, picking up passengers at times and locations designated on daily schedule and delivering them safely and on time to their destination. Also responsible to collect fares from passengers and accounts for money received. Assists passengers as required.

Police Officer

If you are called to public service and want to make a positive contribution, the City of Muscatine invites you to join the professional, accredited, and dedicated Muscatine Police Department. Work involves responsibility for community protection of life and property, crime prevention, law enforcement and arrest, assigned patrol, traffic control and supervision, investigation, records and reporting processing, community outreach, and other special police related assignments.

Parking Meter Attendant

Patrols on foot in assigned areas of the City to enforce parking ordinances; issues tickets for parking violations.  Provides information to the public concerning parking regulations and enforcement; answers inquiries concerning City services and promotes good public relations between the public and the City.  Performs routine meter repairs; reports street or sidewalk obstructions or hazards; collects parking monies from metered areas.  Operates a variety of computer programs.  Performs related work as required.  Work hours are Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch (28 hours/week)

Refuse Truck Driver

The Solid Waste Division of the Department of Public Works is taking applications for a 3/4-time Refuse truck Driver. This is manual and semiskilled work in the operation of a refuse collection packer truck.  Work involves responsibility for operation of a refuse collection packer truck.  Work requires that employees of this class follow established routes and maintain collection schedules.  Emphasis of the work is upon operating the packer truck although on assigned routes employees of this class also collect and load refuse into the packer.

Engineer

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has an opening for an engineer who would assist with city/civil engineering studies, project design, review, and inspections relating to City infrastructure related projects. The position has responsibility to oversee and perform design for Capital Improvements as assigned. Other responsibilities include reviewing easement documents, design and construction projects in accordance with state laws and engineering standards.

VISITING THE CAREER CENTER PAGE – The City of Muscatine utilizes applicant tracking software that makes it easier for individuals to search for and to apply for City employment. The entire application process is now 100 percent online. Individuals who do not have access to a computer can visit Muscatine City Hall or Musser Public Library for assistance in filling out an application (see below for more information).

Job seekers can see a list of available positions and how to apply by clicking on the “Employment” button on the homepage of the City of Muscatine website (located in the upper left side of the main screen). 

The Career Center will open in a new window and job seekers can view the list of current full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities by clicking on “available positions”. Search the list and click on the title to see the job description. Interested candidates can then click on the green “apply” button to begin the application process. 

Potential applicants must register before applying by creating a profile. You only need to register once and can edit your profile at any time. Applicants can track the status of his or her application through their profile. Once registered you will also be able to sign up for email notification(s) of job openings in specific departments through the Talent Network. 

For those who do not have access to a computer, the Department of Human Resources at Muscatine City Hall will have paper applications available for the job seeker to fill out. Human Resources staff is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions or to help in the online or paper process. Contact Human Resources at 563-264-1550.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Police, Fire respond to fatal pedestrian-train accident

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine Fire Department responded to the area of Sampson Street and Grandview Avenue at approximately 12:38 a.m. Saturday (August 21) for a report of a pedestrian who was hit by a train. When officers and firefighters arrived they located 41-year-old Josh Carpenter of Muscatine who was deceased.

No further details will be released as the Muscatine Police continue their investigation into this incident. Please contact Detective Casey Jensen at 563-263-9922 extension 614 if you have any information. 

PD RELEASE

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Family displaced as fire damages mobile home Tuesday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Quick response by the Muscatine Fire Department contained a fire in a mobile home to a bedroom Tuesday (Aug. 16) with one occupant of the residence treated at the scene and released.

The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at approximately 11:15 a.m. Tuesday of a single-family mobile home on fire at 57 Cyril Avenue, Muscatine, with two animals inside. 

Upon arrival fire crews found smoke and fire coming from a rear window and immediately initiated an attack on the fire. They were able to ‘knock down’ the main body of the fire within minutes, and continued to overhaul the rest of the residence to ensure the fire was completely out.

There was fire damage to a rear bedroom and smoke damage throughout the rest of the building. The on-scene investigation determined the initial cause was an accidental fire that started in the bedroom. Smoke detectors did not activate in the mobile home. 

Direct fire and smoke loss estimate is approximately $20,000, with about $10,000 to the structure and $10,000 to the contents. The American Red Cross was called to assist the residents including three adults and two small children who have been displaced due to this fire. 

There was one injury to an occupant and two cats succumbed to the fire. There were no injuries to responders. 

The Muscatine Fire Department was assisted by the Muscatine Police Department. Approximately 17 fire fighters responded to the fire, including four new firefighters who responded from their fire academy training at Station 2.

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 5,027 calls in 2018. 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.

Continue reading “Family displaced as fire damages mobile home Tuesday”