Tag: – Have

Two arrested, one sought following alleged assault Sunday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 17, 2023

MUSCATINE Iowa – Two individuals have been arrested and a third is being sought following an investigation into an alleged assault that occurred on April 9, 2023, according to the Muscatine Police Department (MPD).

MPD officers responded to a report of an assault at the Muscatine Walmart, 3003 N. Highway 61, at approximately 11:33 a.m. Sunday, April 9, 2023. A subsequent investigation established that two males had assaulted a third male causing an injury that required medical attention.

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals have been arrested and charged for their involvement with the incident:

Duran Flowers Jr. – 08/05/94 – 1816 Logan St. C1, Serious Assault (causing bodily injury), Simple assault, and Disorderly Conduct.

Charlene Rene Thompson – 12/16/88 – 1816 Logan St. C1, Theft in the 5th degree.

In addition, an arrest warrant has been filed for the arrest of:

Emanuel Matthew Ellis – 05/26/04 – Address unknown, Serious Assault (causing bodily injury) and Disorderly Conduct.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone who believes they may have additional information related to this incident is encouraged to call Officer Cesar Cabrera at (563) 263-9922 ext. 266.

Tags – Have, arrested, been, being, following, individuals, Iowa –, Muscatine, sought, third

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Kies to be sworn in as new police chief at Council meeting

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 15, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Muscatine will have a new Police Chief starting on March 1 as current Chief Brett Talkington retires on February 28. The swearing in of Anthony (Tony) Kies, currently Captain of Patrol for the Muscatine Police Department, as the next Police Chief is one highlight of Thursday’s Muscatine City Council meeting. The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall.

A 17-year-veteran of the Muscatine Police Department, Kies was selected as the next Chief of Police following an extremely competitive process. The Muscatine City Council unanimously approved his appointment at their December 1 meeting.

The public is welcomed to attend the meeting in person. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the virtual session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below.

The in-depth session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

Two public hearings will be set during the regular meeting, the first on updated the designated truck routes as defined in Chapter 11, section 6 of the Muscatine City Code, and the second on the transfer of property located at 1 Arrowhead Lake subdivision.

Approval of support for the applications by Musco Lighting and Kent Pet Group, Inc., to the Iowa Economic Development Authority High Quality Jobs Program is also on the agenda. Both companies are looking to expand their manufacturing operations in Muscatine.

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments.

On-Line Participation

To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, February 16, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Tags – Have, Chief, current, Iowa –, March, Muscatine, Police, starting, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Three arrested after drive-by shooting Tuesday night

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 18, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three individuals have been arrested following an investigation by the Muscatine Police Officers of a drive-by shooting in Muscatine Tuesday night.

The Muscatine Police Department responded at approximately 1:02 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18) to a report of gunshots fired in the 1300 block of Oak Street. There were no injuries reported but a residence was struck multiple times by gun fire.

The suspect vehicle was stopped as it was leaving the scene.

Three individuals were placed under arrest and charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon (C Felony) due to their involvement in the incident. Those charged include Christian James, 18 (DOB 11/26/2004), 102 Spencer Avenue, Fruitland, Iowa, a 17-year-old female from Muscatine, Iowa, and a 16-year-old male from Davenport, Iowa.

This is believed to be a targeted incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Investigation into the incident is ongoing. Please contact Detective Jeff DeVrieze of the Muscatine Police Investigative Unit at 563-263-9922 (extension 611) if you have any information relevant to the case. Callers may remain anonymous.

All suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Tags – Have, arrested, been, following, individuals, investigation, Iowa –, Muscatine, Three

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City Council to conduct two meetings on January 5

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 4, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council have two meetings scheduled for their first meeting of 2023 starting with a closed session at 5:15 p.m. The City Council is tentatively scheduled to open their regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall, but the start of that meeting may be delayed depending on the length of the closed session.

Thursday’s regular City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below.

The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

The special City Council meeting will begin at 5:15 p.m. in the Lower-Level Conference Room at Muscatine City Hall. The only agenda item for the meeting is a request to enter a closed session. The special meeting will be adjourned following the closed session without any action being taken.

A public hearing will be held during the regular session on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimates for the rehabilitation of underground pipes with a cured-in-place pipe liner. A resolution approving moving forward with the project is scheduled later in the meeting.

With the current state of the economy and with construction costs essentially prohibiting replacement options, Public Works staff has researched alternative and less-expensive rehabilitation options. The cured-in-place option is a cost-effective way to add 50 years to the life of the current sewer system at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

If approved by the City Council, the project would rehabilitate eight sections of aging sewer pipe according to Zack Etzel, Sewer Department Supervisor. Those sections are located in the 1500 block of Washington Street, 100 block of Sherman Street, 1700 block of Meadow Lane, 1200 block of Sunrise Circle, 800 block of Wier Street, 1000 block of Stone Street, and two sections in the 1400 block of Lincoln Boulevard.

Work will be completed by June 2, 2023.

The City Council will also be asked to approve a contract with Corbin Design for the development of a Wayfinding Master Plan, the first step in the development and implementation of a Wayfinding Program in the City of Muscatine. The wayfinding will include monument signs and gateways to the City, direction signage to and between recreation and cultural amenities, and specific business districts and/or neighborhoods.

The Parks and Recreation Department is asking the City Council to approve the purchase of a robotic painter for the soccer complex. The unit will reduce staff hours for laying out fields and would reduce the overall paint that is needed to be purchased. The robotic painter is a three-wheeled unit that can be controlled manually or with GPS and has over 100 different sport templates with thousands of variations.

Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) Director Jon Koch is asking the City Council to approve the submission of a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The proposed $2 million grant is a 100 percent funded grant with no match required from the City of Muscatine. If awarded, the grant would allow for the installation of new digester equipment and refurbishment of the interior and exterior of the old digester tank.

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments.

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, January 5, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

Tags – Have, City, Council, first, Iowa –, meetings, Muscatine, scheduled, their

City of Muscatine Press Releases

No more fines at Musser Public Library

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 3, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Library fines have become a thing of the past at Musser Public Library effective today (Jan. 3, 2023), as the library stops charging fines for overdue materials and institutes the forgiveness of past fines. These policy changes will have an impact on more than 2,500 Musser Public Library (MPL) patrons.

The RiverShare Library Consortium – Musser Public Library and six other library systems in eastern Iowa – has elected to discontinue applying overdue fines to items returned late. Some of the consortium’s libraries, including Musser, have also decided to waive existing overdue fines. The changes are based on the findings of the American Library Association (ALA), who in January 2019 passed a resolution encouraging libraries to eliminate overdue fines because they are a barrier to equitable access.

“Our vision at Musser Public Library is to be the gateway to learning and information for all ages. By becoming a fine-free library, we go a step further towards attaining this goal,” Musser Public Library Director Bobby Fiedler said.

Studies cited by the ALA indicate that some community members can feel discouraged from checking out library items or even obtaining a library card if there is the potential of racking up fines for overdue materials. The studies also show that overdue fines on library materials have no impact on ensuring materials are returned on time.

In eliminating fines, our local library aims to bring back library users whose accounts are blocked due to unpaid overdue fines and encourage more people to sign up for a library card and use library materials without the fear of incurring overdue fines.

“We are dedicated to making our library as accessible as possible to those who need it most,” Fiedler said.

Two types of fees Musser Public Library will retain are for lost and damaged items and for equipment usage and rentals, such as copying, printing and renting equipment including hotspots and tablets.

Tags – Have, become, fines, Iowa –, Library, Muscatine, Musser, past, public, thing

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Busy City Council agenda with four public hearings

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 19, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will have a somewhat busy agenda for their meeting Thursday (Oct. 20) with four public hearings and 15 action items.

Public hearings will be held on the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2028, the vacation of a trail easement, and on a community needs assessment as part of a proposed application for a Community Development Block Grant to support the Downtown Revitalization Program.

The City Council meets at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa. A virtual session will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting with instructions for joining the virtual session listed below.

Resolutions adopting the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2028 will be held later in the meeting along with resolutions approving the vacating of a trail easement, and the application for Community Block Grant funds.

The City Council will also be asked to approve the contract for replacing the City Hall Porch, and set public hearings on vacating a utility easement and on the Transfer Station Tipping Floor Resurfacing Project. The meeting will conclude with an update on the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project and the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project.

Information on the agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments.

Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2.

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, October 20, 2022 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting.

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

Tags – Have, agenda, busy, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, somewhat, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City to begin Fall leaf collection effort October 17

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 11, 2022

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.

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:

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.
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.
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.

Yard waste is collected on a residents refuse collection day but only in bags with the City of Muscatine logo on them. (See GUIDLELINES).
Yard Waste in any paper bag along with tree limbs and other trimmings can be taken to the Compost Facility during normal hours operation.
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.

Tags – Have, begun, Department, fall, Iowa –, Leaves, Muscatine, throughout, with

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Garrett is named Musser Library Assistant Director

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 10, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A familiar face for those who have watched “Libraries Alive!” on Musser Public Library’s TV station (Cable Channel 5) has been named Musser Public Library (MPL) assistant director. Molly Garrett was selected following an extensive search and began her new duties on October 3.

“I’m looking forward to this next step, the next chapter,” Garrett said, adding that she wants to bring innovative ideas to the library, including more programming for adults and teens.

MPL Director Robert Fiedler said he is happy to have Garrett on the library staff.

“We are delighted to welcome Molly aboard and look forward to working with her in creating new, dynamic programming,” Fiedler said. “Molly will be a great addition to the Musser team and brings a wealth of experience that will complement the library’s mission and goals.”

Garrett’s involvement in libraries began early. At age 16, she worked as a page at the Wilton Public Library where she also became involved in the teen board.

She earned her associate’s degree from Muscatine Community College before going to the University of Iowa to earn both her bachelor’s degree in English and her Master’s degree in library science. She worked in the university libraries while completing her Master’s, focusing on government documents.

Garrett briefly worked part-time for the Coralville Public Library after earning her Master’s before starting full-time work at the Cedar Rapids Public Library in 2013 where she worked as a programming librarian for eight years. Some of her “passion projects” at Cedar Rapids included the creation of the annual Renaissance Fair, the Be Heard program, and the diversity audit.

The Renaissance Fair – complete with sword fights, jugglers and dancers – drew about 2,000 people each year. The Be Heard program brought books to incarcerated youths for them to share their thoughts on.

Garrett coordinated efforts with Sarah Voels, Cedar Rapids Library Community Engagement Librarian, on the diversity audit, with Garrett’s focus being on programming and Voels’ on collections. They have presented for many groups about the processes they followed, including the 2020 Public Library Association Conference.

Garrett served as library director in her hometown of Wilton for a year before coming to Musser Public Library. At the Wilton Public Library, she created a maker space and held the Wines & Spines fundraiser. While the director in Wilton, Garrett reached out to Musser to collaborate and to learn more about MPL’s inner workings and partnerships. As a result, she was drawn into the creation of the MPL-TV/MPW Cable Channel 5 show, “Libraries Alive!” which she also co-hosted by remote connection at the Wilton Public Library. Garrett is working with MPL-TV Director Chad Yocom to restart the show soon.

“In thinking about what comes next, I’m excited, because there are so many people and organizations to partner with in Muscatine,” Garrett said.

Garrett lives in Wilton. She and her husband, Brad, like to go ghost hunting. They tend goats and chickens and also have pet cats.

Tags – Have, “Libraries, Alive”, face, familiar, Iowa –, Muscatine, Musser, those, watched

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Six teenagers are charged with Madison School break-in

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date September 9, 2022

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

Tags – Have, arrested, been, Department, following, Iowa –, Muscatine, Police, teenagers

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Vision Center partnership will add trees to the community

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date September 9, 2022

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

Tags – Have, Center, City, Department, Iowa –, Muscatine, Parks, Recreation, Vision

City of Muscatine Press Releases

‘Library of Rock’ available this Fall at Musser Library

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 31, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Hey teens. If you ever had visions of rocking out with friends but have not learned your instrument well enough yet or played along with others, you can find your way to rock ‘n’ roll glory at the Musser Public Library this Fall.

Teens’ Librarian Mr. Emerson Taylor is inviting all middle school and high school students to join him for an epic program called “Library of Rock.” Being part of this group will teach you how to play in a rock band, even if you have just started playing. Sessions will be from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday in October and on November 4.

“I think that every teen should have the opportunity to participate in a ‘garage band’ experience as a way to express themselves and follow their interest,” Taylor said, noting the library is not very busy on Friday evenings. “I am really looking forward to this new venture because depending on the interest of the group, we may have a country, rock or hip-hop sound.”

He added that he is hoping to enlist other adult musicians to help with the program.

“I play several instruments and can help them,” Taylor said. “And we may have more music teachers joining the program to give pointers.”

If you are interested in trying Library of Rock or have any questions, contact Mr. Taylor by visiting his office on the library’s first floor, or you can email him at etaylor@muscatineiowa.gov or call (563) 263-3065 ext. 128.

Tags – Have, ever, Friends, Iowa –, learned, Muscatine, rocking, teens, visions, with

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two family friendly events at Muscatine Art Center in August

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 11, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The days of summer have moved to August with the day that teachers and students head back-to-school is just around the corner, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy some family fun this summer. The Muscatine Art Center is sponsoring two free, family-friendly events this month, so circle Thursday, August 18, and Sunday, August 21, on your calendar.

The Muscatine Art Center, in conjunction with the Muscatine County Arts Council, will present “Community Stage” from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, and then the Art Center, along with the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center, will provide a sweet celebration for the last weekend before school starts with the Annual Ice Cream Social from1-4 p.m. on Sunday, August 21.

New this year is the “Community Stage” presented by the Muscatine County Arts Council and held on the grounds of the Muscatine Art Center on August 18. Muscatine Brass Ensemble will kick off the event with a performance at 5:30 p.m., and then catch a short puppet show by Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater followed by readings of poems submitted by local writers and selected for this year’s Wandering Words project, and stories and other musings presented by local authors. This free event includes outdoor games and back-to-school crafts.

Who can resist ice cream on a warm summer afternoon? Join the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center for the return of the Annual Ice Cream Social from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21. The Annual Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Kent Corporation, is a Muscatine tradition that dates back to 1979.

“There is something for everyone at the Ice Cream Social,” Alexander said. “Expect to see some of your friends and neighbors at the event while also helping raise funds for the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center and its mission to support educational programs at the Muscatine Art Center.”

Crusin’ is the featured live music for this year’s event and will perform from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. During their intermission, the Muscatine Civic Chorale will entertain the crowd from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Other family-friendly activities include games in the courtyard, building with big blue blocks from Musser Public Library, studio projects for the children, and learning about wildlife with Muscatine County Conservation.

Admission to the Ice Cream Social is free of charge. In addition to selling ice cream, the Friends organization is offering slices of pie, brownies, cookies, and other treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.

As always, those who participate in the family-friendly bike ride will receive a token for a free ice cream during the event. The bike ride is free of charge. Riders will depart from the Charles and Jean Harper Pavilion on Houser Street at 1:00 p.m. and stop at the Muscatine Art Center. The Melon City Bike Club and Harper’s Cycle and Fitness are the organizers of the bike ride.

August 21 is also the last day to catch the special exhibition, “Where Children Sleep: Photographs by James Mollison,” organized by Curatorial Exhibitions, Pasadena, California. In this revealing series of photographs, Mollison invites us into the diverse stories of children in many different countries and circumstances. Each studio-style portrait is accompanied by a detailed study of the child’s “bedroom,” which can range from elaborate sanctuaries to the barest spaces set aside for sleep.

Also on view during the Ice Cream Social is William Havlicek’s “The Sanctuary of the Sun: Seasons and Time,” “Great Leaders of the Indian Nations: McKenney and Hall Prints from the Permanent Collection,” and “Incredible Minds: Muscatine Authors.”

—

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit https://www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a quarterly newsletter.

Tags – Have, August, days, Iowa –, moved, Muscatine, summer, teachers, that, with

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Fiedler is named Musser Public Library Director

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 1, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Musser Public Library Board of Trustees have removed the interim tag and named Robert A. Fiedler III as Library Director during its July 27 board meeting. Fiedler has served as the interim director since Pam Collins stepped down from that position on June 30.

Fiedler, a native of Muscatine, has served as Assistant Library Director since returning to his hometown. Fiedler graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in English and Journalism with a minor in Photography. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design.

Fiedler’s decision to pursue a career in Library Science had its beginnings as an undergraduate when he worked in the Biology Library at the University of Iowa. After spending some time abroad, Fielder worked in Special Collections at Augustana College and then served as a research assistant at the Musser Public Library.

Fiedler also returned to school and completed his Master in Library and Information Science through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With diploma in hand, Fiedler continued his association with the Musser Public Library but was promoted to Assistant Library Director.

For more information, visit the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center website, visit the Musser Public Library on Facebook, or call 563-263-3065.

Tags – Have, Board, interim, Iowa –, Library, Muscatine, Musser, public, removed, Trustees

City of Muscatine Press Releases

No curbside collections on Monday; city offices closed for holiday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date May 25, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Most City of Muscatine departments will have the day off on Monday (May 30) as the nation pauses and reflects on Memorial Day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

Muscatine Police and Fire Departments will be staffed but administrative offices will be closed. For non-emergency assistance please call (563) 263-9922. If you have an actual emergency, dial 9-1-1.

The Muscatine Transfer Station will be closed on Monday (May 30) and resume regular hours on Tuesday (May 31). The Compost Facility will be open on Monday (May 30) from 12-6 p.m.

Curbside collection of refuse, yard waste, bulky waste, and recycling will not be conducted on Monday, May 30. Bulky waste will also not be collected on Tuesday, May 31. To schedule a bulky waste collection, call 563-264-5865 or email bulkywaste@muscatineiowa.gov.

Residents on the Monday curbside refuse collection route will have their refuse collected on Tuesday, May 31, along with the regular Tuesday route.

Residents on Monday’s “Week A” curbside recycling route will have their recycling collected on Tuesday, May 31. Tuesday’s route will be collected on Wednesday, Wednesday’s route on Thursday, Thursday’s route on Friday, and Friday’s route on Saturday.

MuscaBus will not be running routes on Monday (May 30) due to the Memorial Day holiday. Routes will resume on Tuesday (May 31).

The Musser Public Library & HNI Community Center will be closed on Sunday (May 29) and Monday (May 30) for the Memorial Day holiday. The library will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday (May 31).

The Muscatine Art Center will be closed on Monday (May 30) for the Memorial Day holiday but will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday (May 31).

All department administrative offices will be open for regular business at 8 a.m. Tuesday (May 31).

Tags – Have, City, departments, Iowa –, Monday, most, Muscatine, nation, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Traffic Alert: East 5th Street closure begins Thursday (May 12)

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date May 11, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Crews from the Department of Public Works (DPW) have been hard at work this week repairing soft spots on Robin Road, and that work will shift to East 5th Street on Thursday.

The 2021-2022 Hot Mix Asphalt Overlay Project is set to resume the week of May 16 with two street sections receiving attention this week from the DPW Street Maintenance Division ahead of receiving new asphalt.

Brandt Construction Company will resume milling and putting down an asphalt overlay four street segments and four alley segments as part of the 2021-22 project that is to be completed this spring.

The Street Maintenance Division has been repairing soft spots on Robin Road since Monday and will switch to East 5th Street Thursday. Lane restrictions on Robin Road are in place where work is being undertaken.

Meanwhile East 5th Street will be closed to all traffic starting Thursday (May 12) from Mulberry to Orange where most of the soft spots are located. Additional soft spots from Orange to Cypress Streets will also be repaired by DPW crews. Some additional closures and lane restrictions will be implemented over the next three weeks as repairs, milling, and asphalt overlay work on East 5th Street is completed. Work is tentatively scheduled to be completed by June 3, weather permitting.

A detour map is posted on the City of Muscatine website or available by clicking 5th Street Detour.

Muscatine Power & Water (MPW) has completed the replacement of a water main on Fair Acres Drive from Bidwell Road to Crestline Drive, with that section scheduled to be the first street segment to receive an asphalt overlay by Brandt Construction. The schedule for the other street segments will depend on the repairs to the soft spots on Robin Road (Bidwell Road to Sunrise Circle) and East 5th Street (Mulberry to Cypress). The other street segment that is part of the current contract is Bartlett Street (Mulberry to Cedar).

Four alley segments will also be completed in the next two months including the alley between Lincoln Boulevard and Grand Avenue (from Clay to Jackson), the alley between Lake Park Boulevard and McArthur Street (from 2nd Avenue to Lake Park Boulevard), the alley between Taylor and Clinton streets (from New Hampshire to Hershey), and the alley between Mary Place and Orchard Avenue (Orchard Avenue to the Dead End).

Lane restrictions will be in place while Brandt Construction mills the streets and alleys, and during the asphalt overlay process. Drivers are urged to use caution when in construction areas and obey traffic control devices and flaggers.

Drivers are reminded to slow down and use caution when travelling through construction zones, obey traffic control devices, and be aware of construction workers. Use an alternate route if possible.

Click on CONSTRUCTION to visit the Department of Public Works Construction Projects page where more information can be found on City of Muscatine construction projects.

An interactive map is available showing current street closures and street work.

If you have a comment or concern, please email feedback@muscatineiowa.gov or pwrequest@muscatineiowa.gov. A staff member will respond within 24 hours.

Tags – Have, been, Crews, Department, from, hard, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, Works

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Early start time for City Council Thursday; two meetings scheduled

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 13, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will have an early start to their Thursday (April 14) schedule with a special meeting at 5:15 p.m. to hear a presentation from the Merge Urban Development Group on the Carver Corner Redevelopment.

Following the special meeting, the City Council will conduct their regularly scheduled In-Depth session but at an earlier time. The In-Depth session is now scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with presentations on the city deer management plan, the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine South End Improvement Project, and a presentation on violent crime statistics.

Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

A virtual meeting will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but do not feel comfortable in attending in person. Details for joining that meeting are listed below.

Merge will be presenting an updated proposal that includes a five-story, 56-unit mixed use building with a residential mix of studio, 1-bed and 2-bed units as part of a $9 million project. The ground floor would consist of a residential lobby space, bike storage, and approximately 6,000 square feet of micro retail and retail space.

While the initial development includes one building, the developer has expressed interest in developing the entire parcel in the future dependent on financing.

The presentation will be followed by a vote on a resolution committing to support an application to the Iowa Economic Development Group by Merge Urban Development Group for the proposed Carver Corner Development.

Parks and Recreation Director Richard Klimes and Superintendent of Parks Nick Gow will open the In-Depth meeting with a presentation on the results of the 2021-2022 City Deer Management Plan and a discussion on the positives, negatives, and other considerations for allowing public property to be used for future City deer hunts.

The 2021-2022 program continues the management plant that allows for the controlled reduction of the deer population through maintenance instead of eradication. The past season was determined to be a success with 18 hunters taking 39 deer from Sept. 18, 2021, through Jan. 10, 2020.

Klimes and Gow will also provide an update on the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine South End Improvement Fund Projects. These projects include upgrades to Taylor Park (i.e., pickleball courts, splash pad, and modular restroom), shelters at Taylor, Musser, and Kent Stein Parks, and playgrounds at Musser, Taylor, and Sunset Parks.

The final presentation will come from Lt. David O’Connor of the Muscatine Police Department (MPD) who will review violent crime trends in Muscatine and some of the community policing efforts being conducted by the MPD.

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download the City Council agenda and/or attachments of click on the links below.

Special Meeting | In-Depth Session

The best way for the public to participate virtually is to log on or dial in to the GoToMeeting session, mute your device, watch the session on YouTube or Cable Channel 2. At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on the GoToMeeting virtual meeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, Apr. 14, 2022 | 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM (CDT)
Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, Apr. 14, 2022 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

Please mute your computer or phone while listening to the proceedings (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). A chat window is available when you use your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Those wishing to speak or to ask a question are asked to use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The Mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Tags – Have, City, Council, early, Iowa –, Muscatine, start, their, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine Fire, Police release annual department reports

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 1, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Fire Department and the Muscatine Police Department have released their annual reports for the calendar year 2021. These reports are available on the City of Muscatine website. The reports present an overview of the activities that each department is involved in and the various programs offered by each department.

Muscatine Fire Department Annual Report

Muscatine Police Department Annual Report

Tags – Have, Department, fire, Iowa –, Muscatine, Police, released