Ambassadors learned more about two important community topics this week. First, Chamber President/CEO Rachael Kinnick shared information about the upcoming vote to increase PPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy) for the Grinnell-Newburg Community Schools. The vote will take place Tuesday, March 4th at the Elks Lodge for Poweshiek County or at the Kellogg Fire Station for Jasper County. Absentee ballots are available, contact your county auditor to learn more.
The GNSD plans to use the increase in PPEL funds and pair them with additional funds to build a new K-5th Grade elementary school. The ballot initiative is to increase PPEL to the maximum allowed amount, $1.34/$1,000 of assessed value on property. It’s important to note this tax is on the ASSESSED value of your property, not your fair market value or sale price. The district has a calculator for residents to learn what this means for their property. If the PPEL were to pass, an example of a $200,000 assessed value home on residential property would result in $47.71 annual property tax increase after the Reduction for Income Surtax. You can find your property’s assessed value at https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/
Thanks to a generous gift of 40 acres from the Ahrens Park Foundation, the school district will not need to purchase land if the levy passes. The gift of land is contingent on the PPEL passing in March. You can learn more about the proposed levy, your tax implication and how PPEL is different then GO Bonds at grinnellschoolvote.com
Public information sessions will be hosted on February 4th at 5:30 PM at Drake Community Library and February 6 at 7 PM at Grinnell Eagles by the Building a Community Together Group. Superintendent Lisa Beames will present the facts and answer questions. Additional sessions are planned and will be announced in the coming days.
As Educational Support is one of our strategic initiatives, the Grinnell Chamber is committed to sharing updates from the School District in regards to the upcoming PPEL vote. More information will be shared via our social channels, website, and community newsletter.
Ambassador also learned a few updates as part of the upcoming Highway 146 reconstruction, set to commence in the next few months.. You may recall hearing about this project as the city has been working with the DOT for 3.5 years to prepare, and the city council formally approved it in May 2023. As Business Support is a key part of our strategic initiatives, we are committed to sharing project updates from Iowa DOT and the City of Grinnell to support the 90+ businesses that will be affected by these improvements.
Roadwork will take place from Interstate 80 to Highway 6. Portions of Highway 146 may be temporarily closed while sections of work are being completed but residents and visitors will still be able to travel the full length of the highway. Temporary detours are unlikely but may be needed to access some businesses; as those go into place, information will be shared with the community. It's important to remember that while it might not be overly easy to access every area, it is critical that the community continue to support the businesses impacted throughout this project.
Planned work includes:
There are some exciting updates happening as part of this project; additional decorative street lighting will be added from 1st Ave to Highway 6, new pedestrian crossing signage will be added at Industrial Ave, Marvin/Washington area, and 1st Ave, and trailwork will be done to further connect to the existing trail down by the Interstate.
This project is expected to go to bid in mid-April with construction beginning sometime early summer. We are fortunate that investments are being made to critical infrastructure in our community and we look forward to the completed project. More updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Special thanks to the members that were able to join us this morning including: Monica St. Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Jennifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Desiree Strayer - German Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Alyssa Sliger - First Interstate Bank, Hannah Greene - Bayer Crop Science, Hannah O'Polka - Cleanfoodfix Wellness Studio, Charlie Isaacs - Theisen's, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Rachel Arseneault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Donna Fischer - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Stephanie Lair - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Donnette Ellis - Grinnell College Community Connections, Dorothy Spriggs - Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, Fran Conn, Kody Bigelow - Walmart Grinnell
Ambassadors welcomed new member Grinnell Kiwanis to the Chamber today. President Rob Smith shared that a group of locals revitalized the Grinnell chapter over the last year and a half after COVID caused the previous group to disband.
Their current priorities are focused on helping children in the community. They look to partner with existing programs and organizations to help provide additional value. Recent projects include donating books to every preschooler in Grinnell and assisting with paying off lunch debt for students that receive free and reduced lunch. They’re excited to continue to grow involvement in the coming year and are looking for other ways to get involved.
Kiwanis meet the first and third Thursday of every month at 5 PM in the back room at Hometown Heroes. They’re always accepting new members, reach out to a current member or stop by the next meeting to learn more.
Pictured L-R: Marissa Ylagan - Grinnell Chamber, Joni Schmidt - Mayflower Homes, Hannah O’Polka - Cleanfoodfix Wellness Studio, Fran Conn, Jeff Finch - Wes Finch Auto Plaza, Rachel Bly - Kiwanis & Grinnell College, Ashley Symbol - First State Bank, Lisa Lindley - Kiwanis, Shane Hart - Grinnell College Golf Course, Jeff Schwark - Kiwanis & Jeffrey A. Schwark Financial Services Co., Rob Smith - Kiwanis & Smith Funeral Home & Crematory, Phil Grout - Kiwanis & Hy-Vee, Brad German - Kiwanis & GreenState Credit Union, Kody Bigelow - Walmart Grinnell, Jordan Alsup - Kiwanis & Grinnell Recreation, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Jennifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Rachael Kinnick - Grinnell Chamber, Rachel Arseanault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate
Today Ambassadors visited Walmart Grinnell to learn more about the current remodel which started this week, from store manager Kody Bigelow. The remodel will be taking place in phases and will last approximately 16 weeks. Most of the remodel is taking place throughout the night so there will be minimal disruption during regular store hours to shoppers. The Grinnell store has not had a remodel since 2006, which was when the store relocated to its current location. There are some great changes coming when this remodel is complete and the WalMart team are very excited for the needs they will be meeting for our community.
The remodel will bring more selection in additional Asian and Hispanic grocery products, and will feature an expanded beer, wine & liquor section. They are also launching a gluten-free section based on feedback from customers and Walmart associates. While departments will be shifting to create a more cohesive layout mirroring other Walmart locations, nearly all of our amenities are staying and many are being expanded! The pharmacy will be getting an expanded footprint, including a services room for more privacy. Walmart Plus will also be launching RX Delivery to its users in the coming weeks. The Pet section will be upgraded and moved towards the back of the store, and will feature the addition of 2 Fresh Pet coolers. The Grinnell store will soon feature 8 staffed checkout registers, in addition to self checkout options. The restrooms will be getting an entire remodel as well as an addition of a mothers room. Perhaps one of the coolest additions to the space will be a mural in the entryway; Kody said the mural will reflect the Grinnell Community and is excited to see it completed towards the end of the remodel.
Some key take-aways Walmart wants our community to know:
1. Be patient with them, the staff is hard at work staying up-to-date on temporary product moves and being as informed as they can be. They are also willing to help you locate what you need, and you can search a product's aisle location online.
2. Continue to shop with them! Many items are being clearanced out to accommodate the remodel so there are great deals in many departments. Walmart is here to stay and will continue to serve the Grinnell Community.
3. If there is a product you would like to see carried in the Grinnell store, talk with Kody or a store leader and they'll see if they can accommodate - they want to be able to meet the needs of our local community if they can!
P.S. The bread is now in aisle A15!
Pictured L-R: Phil Grout- Hy-Vee, Trent Arment- MCG - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Rachael Kinnick- Grinnell Chamber, Donna Fischer- UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Jennifer McAlexander- Hawkeye Lock & Security & JM Consulting, Hannah O'Polka- Cleanfoodfix Wellness Studio, Joni Schmidt- The Mayflower Community, Rachel Arsenault- Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Brenden Baxter- T-Mobile, Fran Conn- Retired, Desiree Strayer- German Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Brianna Gaunt- Community 1st Credit Union, Davant Marshall- T-Mobile, Matt Moyer- Bayer Crop Science, Jeff Finch- Wes Finch Auto Plaza, Casey Hawkins- Walmart Grinnell & Kody Bigelow- Walmart Grinnell
Ambassadors visited Beckman Gallery & Gifts today to learn more about shopping local this holiday season. Owner Ryan Beckman shared that his team has been immersed in all things holiday since October, getting the store decorated and holiday items ordered and out.
Some of the popular items this year are Jellycats stuffed animals, P.F. Candle Co., Stonewall Home & Kitchen, Barebones, Michel Design Works and more. In addition to the huge selection of products and gifts in store, Ryan and his team have been working hard to build out a website where people can order online and pick up in store or have gifts shipped anywhere in the US. While it hasn’t been an easy process, having a virtual presence has allowed Beckman’s customer base to grow.
Beckman Gallery & Gifts is open until 7 PM this week and 5 PM on Saturday as part of our holiday Extended Retail Hours. Stop in store at 912 Main St to shop or head online to beckmangallery.com
Additional Extended Retail Hours activities include:
Pictured L-R: Jeff Finch - Wes Finch Auto Plaza, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Lisa Cirks - Cirks Financial Services, Stephanie Lair - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Rick Jacoby - Grinnell American Legion, Ryan Beckman - Beckman Gallery & Gifts, Monica St Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Jennifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Rachel Arseneault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate
Ambassadors got the opportunity to tour the new Grinnell College Renfrow Hall student residence this morning. Assistance Vice President for Facilities Management, Rick Whitney, and Director of Outreach Programming and events, Sarah Smith, shared more about how the space will function for students and community members.
The new residence hall has capacity for 109 students with most living in a 4 person apartment with individual bedrooms and shared bathrooms, kitchen, and living spaces. There are also 2 staff apartments and staff offices within the building. Each apartment is fully furnished with furniture so students only need to bring personal items, decorations, and kitchen utensils.
The South Tower is currently open to students and the first floor features Weingart Pavillion, a space where students and community members will be able to congregate. With space for 70 people, A/V capabilities and a small kitchenette, the room will be available for community meetings and gatherings along with private events. More details about how to rent the space will be coming soon.
The architects worked to bring nature indoors in the form of 3 large planters and a two-story living wall. All the planters have an irrigation system that utilizes rain water collected off the roof of the building. There is also a green roof on the connector portion between both towers that will help collect rainwater off the building.
The College also invested heavily in infrastructure that isn't overly visible. Renfrow is connected to the heating and cooling system and power systems utilized by the college. Significant energy infrastructure was added under the former St Mary hall, and it's also connected to a new utility tunnel under the downtown offices (821 5th Ave) as well. These properties are also able to utilize the energy gathered at the north Solar Field on 16th Ave.
Once completed, the property will also feature a south lawn and a central lawn that will be a green space for students and community members to enjoy. Students are currently living in the South Tower and report their favorite aspects are the kitchens and being able to cook for themselves along with utilizing the common areas for gatherings. The North Tower will open to students for the second semester, starting in January.
Pictured L-R: Monica St Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Matt Moyer - Bayer Crop Science, Whitney Bair Crawford, Agent with New York Life, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Stephanie Lair - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Erin Bustin - Grinnell School of Music, Briana Gaunt - Community 1st Credit Union, Milton Sever - Grinnell College Museum of Art, Susan Baley - Grinnell College Museum of Art, Shane Hart - Grinnell College Golf Course, Sarah Smith - Grinnell College, Daniel Strong - Grinnell College Museum of Art, Carl Meck - GreenState Credit Union Grinnell, Rick Whitney - Grinnell College, Donnette Ellis - Grinnell College Community Connections, Rachel Arseneault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Kody Bigelow - Walmart Grinnell, Donna Fischer - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Brad German - GreenState Credit UnionGrinnell, Jess Dawson - REMAX Partners Realty- Grinnell, Jeff Finch - Wes Finch Auto Plaza, Fran Conn, Desiree Strayer - German Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Lisa Cirks - Cirks Financial Services, Charlie Isaacs - Theisen's, Marissa Ylagan - Grinnell Chamber, Rachael Kinnick - Grinnell Chamber
