myWaukee | Waukee Iowa Community News

You are here: Home / Archives for admin

Faces of Waukee: Amy Varcoe

by

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Algona, Iowa.  

Tell us a little about what you do.

I work as the Director of Communications for Waukee Community School District. My duties are varied, which is the best part. I get to interact with students, teachers, staff, and administrators to share the amazing stories that happen every day at Waukee. As the spokesperson, I handle all media inquiries, oversee social media, the website and all public relations activities and events. My day is anything but predictable, which is what I love most.

How long have you been with the Waukee Community School District?

I started my current position in October 2018.

The second high school recently had its groundbreaking. What are you most excited about as the district continues to grow?

As a parent of a student in the district and as an employee, I’m excited to see the growing number of opportunities for our students and staff. We’re one of two districts in the state that has added a high school in the past 45 years. The innovation and collaboration opportunities are endless with business partners, students, and staff. Waukee is preparing its students for a future with real-life experiences and opportunities. The time has never been better to be a part of our school district as an employee, community member, and parent.  

Any New Year’s Resolutions you care to share with our readers?

I’m not a big resolution person, but I do try to reset any chance I get. Yoga is my go-to for centering and grounding. My husband and I have three young children— ages 9, 7, and 4—and we’re busy running from place to place with them. I wouldn’t change it for the world, but sometimes it’s important to slow down and enjoy the moment.

 

Waukee Economic Development 101

by

It’s no secret that economic development is booming in Waukee. In both 2016 and 2017, building permits issued by the City surpassed $200 million. And, commercial development in 2018 was the highest in Waukee history with more than $40 million in commercial projects recorded.

All of that commercial development generates excitement—and many comments from citizens. City staff members often hear questions like, “Where’s the Target?” and “Why are there so many fast food restaurants?” Waukee Community & Economic Development Director Dan Dutcher aims to answer the most commonly asked questions.

Dutcher has served in his position since 2013. The most important part of his job, he said, is making sure decision-makers know what sites and buildings are available in Waukee.

“We can direct them [those looking for properties] to the different sites and who owns them and what brokerage firms or real estate firms have them listed,” said Dutcher. “We try to provide information and be a liaison between the owners, the real estate community and the Waukee properties.”

So, does the Community & Economic Development Department simply order up whichever businesses Waukee needs? Not exactly.

“The City doesn’t own land for development, so it isn’t really up to us to control which businesses come to town. It’s the different landowners or developers who are bringing prospects to us,” Dutcher said. “We just try to make the process as easy and as time-efficient as possible.”

With that said, citizens may still wonder why certain businesses come to town and how the timing works out. Dutcher said there are typical economic development patterns often seen in communities experiencing fast growth, like Waukee.

“Usually the fast food restaurants come first. Then you’ll usually see limited-amenity hotels and sit-down restaurants,” Dutcher said. “We should start seeing more of the sit-down restaurants as the fast food market gets saturated. We’re already starting to see that progression with places like Central Standard and Gastro Grub & Pub. And, we’ll probably see more upscale, sit-down restaurants as time goes by.”

While Waukee residents clearly have more dining options and professional services available to them than in the past, Dutcher said retail is a more difficult addition right now, noting one popular store in particular.

“Adding a Target to the city is one of those things we don’t control,” Dutcher said. “Certainly the big-box retail market is going through upheaval right now. Target itself is building smaller stores, mostly in large cities. There are three Targets within a 10-mile radius of Waukee, so unless they close one of those, the likelihood of them coming here is pretty small.”

While a Target store is unlikely, construction will soon begin at the Apple Data Center site, and the Palms Theatres & IMAX will soon be open. Dutcher said Apple’s investment in the community is a huge win and that the addition of the movie multiplex will bring an exciting new source of entertainment to Waukee for residents and visitors alike.

“Having a theater of this size with an IMAX is certainly going to draw people to Waukee,” said Dutcher. “Fridley Theatres is providing cutting-edge amenities in their theater which I think is great to have in the western suburbs. We’re pretty excited about it.”

Another project for which Dutcher’s expertise is integral is the multi-use Kettlestone Development, which runs along Grand Prairie Parkway. Dutcher said he is pleased with the progress being made along that corridor.

“Kettlestone encompasses around 1,200 acres. That is a tremendous amount of land to develop over a short period of time,” said Dutcher. “We’re really on track and probably seeing a faster pace of development than I anticipated. We have Holmes Murphy, the Cove at Kettlestone and several other projects that are taking place. It has also seen a lot of residential development.”

Dutcher said he knows it can be challenging for people to keep up with all of the development going on in Waukee. He encourages people to visit Waukee.org/developmentprojects for a full list of projects currently in the planning and construction phases. A list of available properties ripe for development in Waukee can be found at Waukee.org/availableproperties.

Come Out Ahead This Cold and Flu Season

by

It’s the time of year when short sleeves are replaced by down jackets, which means we’re quickly entering the “cold and flu season.” While we tend to use cold and flu interchangeably, and they’re both respiratory illnesses that tend to surface at similar times, they’re actually separate illnesses caused by different viruses.

Because flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. Cold symptoms are usually milder than those of the flu, and colds generally don’t result in serious health problems like the flu can.

A sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold, followed by coughing and sneezing. Common colds are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work. Adults have an average of two to three colds per year, and children have even more. Most people get colds in the winter and spring, but it’s possible to get a cold any time of the year.

Most people recover from a cold in about a week. Getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids can help cold sufferers feel better. Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms but will not make a cold go away any faster. Always read the label and use medications as directed. Talk to your doctor before giving non-prescription cold medicines to children, since some medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children. Antibiotics will not help you recover from a cold caused by a respiratory virus. They do not work against viruses, and they may make it harder for your body to fight future bacterial infections if you take them unnecessarily.

Viruses that cause colds can spread from infected people to others through the air and close personal contact. This can happen when you shake hands with someone who has a cold, or touches a surface, like a doorknob, that has respiratory viruses on it, and then touches your eyes, mouth or nose.

There are several ways you can reduce your risk of getting a cold:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash them for at least 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Viruses that cause colds can live on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds can enter your body this way and make you sick.
  • Stay away from people who are sick. Sick people can spread viruses that cause the common cold through close contact with others.

If you have a cold, you should follow these tips to help prevent spreading it to other people:

  • Stay home while you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands.
  • Move away from people before coughing or sneezing.
  • A cough and sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away, or a cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.
  • Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs.

This article was brought to you by :

Doctor Julianne Sarcone, ARNP
Mercy Clinics Family Medicine Waukee.
(515) 643-7000
25 W. Hickman Rd.

 

Chamber News: Nov/Dec 2018

by

Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce News

Waukee Hardware Anniversary Celebration
On Saturday, Sept. 29, Waukee Hardware Celebrated a Grand Re-Opening, 20-Year Anniversary of Ownership (by Geoff and Anne Warmouth) and 140-Year Anniversary of the Store’s Opening (in 1878)!
Waukee Hardware is located at 380 6th St. in Waukee.

Waukee Chamber September Non-Profit Roundtable Luncheon
Thank-you to the following Waukee non-profit organizations for presenting at the Sept. 27 Chamber Luncheon at the Waukee Community Center: Waukee American Legion, Waukee Area Christian Services, Waukee Area Historical Society, Waukee Betterment Foundation, Waukee Community Closet, Waukee Downtown Business Group, Waukee Family YMCA, Waukee Leadership Institute, Waukee Public Library Friends Foundation, Waukee Community Schools Foundation, The Brenton Arboretum, Goodwill of Central Iowa, ISU Extension and Outreach-Dallas County and the Rotary Club of Waukee.


Waukee’s Ninth Elementary School Under Construction
The Waukee Chamber Economic Development Committee toured Radiant Elementary during their Sept 26 committee meeting, followed by lunch at Panchero’s Mexican Grill in Waukee.  Radiant Elementary is the Waukee Community School District’s ninth elementary school, and will open in the Fall of 2019.


Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour Thank-You
The Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour was held on Thursday, Sept. 13.  The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce filled four buses for the sixth annual event.  The City of Waukee guided the hour-long tour showcasing development projects in Waukee.  Hosting sponsor Brick Towne at Kettlestone provided a business after-hours event following the tour with beverages, networking and food from Marco’s Pizza and Which Wich Superior Sandwiches.
 

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee works in cooperation with the City of Waukee, Waukee Chamber members and others to promote economic growth in the Waukee area.  Thank-you to our bus tour sponsors, including Access Systems, Ankeny Sanitation, City of Waukee, Denny Elwell Company, Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company, Landmark Development Services, Inc., Per Mar Security, State Savings Bank, University of Iowa Community Credit Union, Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and West Bank! We appreciate all Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce members and guests for participating!  Thank you to our Waukee 2018 Economic Development Bus Tour sponsors!

Winter Reading Program: The Art of Reading

by

Let’s get creative this winter at the Waukee Public Library! All ages are invited to play our “Book Bingo” for the Winter Reading Program from Nov. 15 through Jan. 31. Sign up and read for great prizes!

After completing one bingo, you can stop into the library to collect a special Winter Reading Pin and your name will be entered in the grand prize drawing!

Keep reading for a blackout bingo and get a special Winter Reading Black-Out Tote (while supplies last). In addition, your name will be entered a second time in the grand prize drawing.

Stop into the library starting Nov. 15 to grab a bingo card or sign up online with Beanstack (waukeelibrary.beanstack.org), where you can register the entire family, log your reading and earn badges!

To find out more about the Winter Reading Program, visit waukeepubliclibrary.org/winter.

For more library information, contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.

UPCOMING LIBRARY EVENTS

Craft Workshop: Arm-Knitting
Sunday, Nov. 4 – 1:30 PM

Cost for supplies is $15 per person. Payment is required upon registration.

NaNoWriMo: Come Write-in!
Tuesdays, Nov. 6, 13, & 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM

For the month of November, participants work towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel and the Waukee Public Library is here to help with drop-in writing sessions throughout the month! Work on your novel surrounded by other writers. Refreshments for fueling up will be provided. Attendees will receive an exclusive Waukee Public Library NaNoWriMo pin!

Movie Afternoon: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Saturday, Nov. 10 -1:00 PM

Bring your blanket and pillow and enjoy the show. Free popcorn provided. All ages are welcome. No registration required.

Pop-Up STEAM Programs

Gross Science
Friday, Nov. 2 – 4:30 PM

Spa Science
Friday, Nov. 16 – 4:30 PM

Electric Science
Friday, Nov. 30 – 4:30 PM

Local History Series: Iowa Connection WWI
Sunday, Nov. 11 – 1:00 PM

Presented by Fort Des Moines Education

In partnership with the Waukee Area Historical Society and sponsored by Heartland Co-op, the Waukee Public Library is proud to present this Local Series History Series program.

Winter Reading Kick-Off: Drawing with Tim Read
Saturday, Nov. 17 -10:00 AM

Get creative with artist and author Tim Read! Families will enjoy watching humorous live cartoon illustration and improvisational storytelling with help from the audience. Registration is required and will open three weeks prior to this event.

Christmas Crafts
Saturday, Dec. 1 -10:00 AM & 2:30 PM

For students in grades K-5.

Registration is required and will open three weeks prior to this event.

Gifts from the Kitchen
Saturday, Dec. 1 -1:00 PM

Come to make your own “friendship soup mix” and package it attractively in a mason jar, for a simple and healthy holiday gift.

Registration is required and will open three weeks prior to this event.

A Christmas Carol Tea
Saturday, Dec. 8 – 2:00 PM

Come to join us for warm tea and tasty delights in celebration of the 175th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ much-loved story, A Christmas Carol.

Registration is required and will open three weeks prior to this event.

This event is sponsored by the Waukee Public Library Friends Foundation.

Faces of Waukee: Rudy Koester

by

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m from Northeast Iowa, where my immediate and extended family resides. My parents are blue-collar workers; my father works as an equipment operator/truck driver for a heavy highway contractor, and my mother works for an egg processing plant as a line worker. In addition, they (along with my father’s siblings) help my grandfather with the operation of the family cattle and crop farm.

I met my wife Erin about three and a half years ago, and we got married in September of 2017.  We enjoy hiking, traveling, exercising, visiting the many mom-and pop-restaurants Iowa’s small towns have to offer on our Harley and cheering for the Cyclones! We have a five-year-old American Brittany named Chief with whom I enjoy pheasant hunting in the fall and winter months.

You’re an Iowa State grad with a degree in Civil Engineering. How did you land in this field of study?

I grew up helping my dad and grandfather on the farm. From a young age, I always enjoyed building and fixing things with my hands. On the farm, it seemed we were always fixing or building things and my dad was always good at showing me how to do things that fascinated me. Growing up, I knew I wanted to build things, but I wasn’t sure what. My first summer job after high school graduation was with the Fayette County Engineer’s Office. The county engineer at the time took me under his wing and introduced me to the civil engineering world. It was his mentoring that really sparked my interest in highway construction. I knew from this experience wanted to build roads and bridges. The next decision—whereto go to college—was easy. I had an uncle who studied industrial engineering at Iowa State University, and he always talked up their engineering program, so I figured ISU had to have a good civil engineering program, too!

By the time this issue reaches Waukee readers, you’ll have stepped into the role of Waukee’s Public Works Director and City Engineer. For those who don’t know, can you tell us what all this position entails for you?

Serving as the Public Works Director/City Engineer is a great honor and I’m humbled to serve the citizens of Waukee. The essential functions of my position are leading and directing the Public Works Department staff through policies, procedures, regulations, programs, systems, operations, goals and objectives of the organization. I’m serving as a liaison between the City and various regional, state and federal agencies, establishing public works and capital improvement projects and their respective project budgets. In addition, I’m the chief spokesperson for the Public Works Department and ensure a high level of service to our customers

You’ll certainly have your hands full. Is there anything you’re particularly excited for as you take on your new responsibilities going into 2019 and beyond?

Waukee is growing quickly and it’s exciting to be a part of this growth. When I think back to when I first started with the city last year As I drive by all of the businesses and residential developments that have been built over this short period since I began working in this position, I get excited! I try to envision how Waukee will look in
10, 20 and 40 years. It’s exciting to be involved in building and shaping its future. Specifically for 2019, I’m looking forward to completing the Alice’s Road improvements, the beginning the Apple development and the unknown projects yet to come!

Last question. In this issue, we take a sneak peek at the new state-of-the-art Fridley Palms theatre set to open in Waukee very soon. Is there any movie you’re looking forward to this holiday season?

I’m a big Clint Eastwood fan! I’m looking forward to The Mule coming out in December.

Faces of Waukee: Courtney Clarke

by

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband Adam and I both grew up in the Des Moines area. We moved to Waukee nine years ago. We have four amazing kids—three daughters and one son—who are 13, 11, 6 and almost 2 years old. Their activities run the gamut from dance to Scouts, to band, to taekwondo. As you can imagine, they keep us pretty busy.

As we enter the holiday season, is there any tradition and/or Waukee event that’s a can’t-miss for the Clarkes?

I have a large family—I’m the fourth of five kids, and we have 12 nieces and nephews. So holidays for us are filled with a lot of family! A few of our favorite traditions include packing Christmas Child boxes with our kids, adopting a family, making snow people (if it’s a white Christmas) and eating!

Tell our readers a little about what you do.

In my day job, I head business development for an institutional investment firm. I oversee marketing, sales and client service. I’m also a board member for the Iowa Child Advocacy Board, a state organization that oversees the Court Appointed Special Advocacy and foster care review board programs because I want to help stand for all of Iowa’s children. I was also fortunate to be elected to the city council in 2017. I am completing my first year as a council member.

What made you want to take on the responsibility of public service?

I’ve always been engaged in service. It may sound silly, but I felt called to do more. I didn’t know exactly what that meant until I attended some council meetings. Oftentimes people don’t realize the huge impact made by the local city council. Waukee has amazing and talented city employees and a strong council with a diverse set of skills. But I felt my analytical background and my experience in planning strategically for growth would be a good addition to the team.

On a more personal note, there’s a lot of divisiveness and ugliness in politics. It’s not just today in 2018. I door-knocked for a candidate when I was in college. I was threatened, chased off the doorstep, and called some pretty awful names, all by people who didn’t know the first thing about me. That happened here in Iowa. It’s also happened when I’ve gone to the statehouse to advocate for things I believe in. I’ve been shut down fairly rudely by people who are paid out of my tax dollars to represent me. And my kids witness it regularly—ugly arguments in their school or on television. At some point, I realized that if I want our kids to have a good role model in that arena, someone who respects and listens to people, who is willing to change her mind when new information is introduced, and someone who won’t “throw shade,” maybe I need to stand up and be that person.

In this issue, we take a sneak peek at the new state-of-the-art Fridley Palms Theatre set to open in Waukee very soon. Is there any movie you’re looking forward to when their doors open to the public?

If this were a  live interview, people would see me laugh! I love movies and am excited about the theater, but having four kids basically means my movie time ends up being their selections. In our house, the kids are very excited to see the new Fantastic Beasts and Mary Poppins Returns. While I am excited for those too, I personally love anything action-oriented.

 

Our Waukee Founders

by

Many of you know that Waukee was founded in 1869 when General Lewis Addison Grant and Major William Ragan purchased 320 acres of land around the Des Moines Valley Railroad bed. But who were these two men, Lewis Addison Grant, and William Ragan?  

Lewis Addison Grant was born on Jan. 17, 1828, in Winhall Hallow, Vermont. He was the youngest of 10 children. His parents were James and Elizabeth Wyman Grant. He attended school until he was 16 years old in Townsend, Vermont.

He attended the Academy at Chester. He taught school for five years while he studied law. He passed the bar in 1855 and practiced law in Bellow Falls, Vermont. On March 11, 1857, he married S. Agasta Hartwell. The couple welcomed a daughter named Augusta Sarah in 1859, and unfortunately, Mrs. Grant passed away on January 27, 1859.  Lewis remarried four years later to Mary Helen Pierce, and they had two boys—Ulysses Sherman, born in 1867, and James Colfax, born in 1869. Mary Helen was a niece of President Franklin Pierce.  

Grant left the firm of Stoughton & Grant to join the army at the onset of the Civil War. He was commissioned major of the Fifth Vermont Infantry Volunteers which was mustered into service on Sept. 16, 1861, at St. Albans, Vermont, to serve three years. He later accepted an additional year of service.  

General Lewis A. Grant was a distinguished officer and commander of the famed Vermont Brigade. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 24, 1865. He was approached to accept another commission in July of 1866. After four years of serving, he declined the honor, preferring to live a private life.  
  
After his discharge, he resumed practicing law in Moline, Illinois, and later, Des Moines.

From 1890 to 1893, General Grant served as Assistant Secretary of War. During six weeks of this time—Nov. 5, 1891 to Dec. 17, 1891—he was Acting Secretary of War under President Benjamin Harrison, until Secretary Elkins entered office. On May 11, 1893, General Grant received the Medal of Honor for his part in the Battle of Salem Heights.

Grant died on March 20, 1918 in Minneapolis at the age of 90. He is buried at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.

William Ragan was born in Pennsylvania in 1836. He was mustered in as a first lieutenant in Iowa’s volunteer 18th Infantry I Co. on Aug. 6, 1862. He was promoted to major on May 12, 1865, with a regimental company transfer. Major William Ragan mustered out on Oct. 3, 1865 in Davenport.

In 1871, Major Ragan sold his remaining interest holdings in Waukee to O. W. Mead via a quick claim deed. In 1878, his wife Sarah Jane Ragan passed away, leaving William with four children—Maria Louise, age 9, Marchella, age 7, William Junior, age 2, and Letittia, age 1.  

In 1883, Ragan was a real estate developer/builder in Minneapolis, living with his children and a domestic helper. I found no evidence that he remarried.

Minneapolis experienced a housing boom with a steady population increase between 1880 and 1890, and Ragan began developing the land between Franklin Ave. and 24th St. The land was originally platted into two full blocks and two three-quarters size blocks. Seeing the potential for more economic return, Ragan turned the land into four half-blocks. The alley between 22nd and 23rd Avenues was transformed into a street 38 feet from the east face of blocks 1 and 2 of Ragan’s Addition. His lots were only about half the size of a normal Minneapolis city lot at the time.

Today, Ragan’s Addition, which began as housing for Scandinavian and East European immigrant workers for nearby Milwaukee Railroad shops, yards and new factories, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. I could not find any information about Ragan’s whereabouts after his interest in the Minneapolis boom ended. I suspect that he may have gone north into Canada.

The Waukee Area Historical Society will be hosting a 150th birthday celebration for our community in June 2019.

 

Faces of Waukee: Mercy Doctors

by

 

Sarah Jackson, M.D.

Christopher A Etscheidt, MD

Tell us a little about your families.

SJ: I have a little family of four—me, my husband Eric and our two girls, Sigrid and Iselin. Sigrid is our spunky, spirited three-year-old, and Iselin is (so far) our laid-back three-month-old. We enjoy taking the girls to parks, the science center and the zoo.

CE: I live with my wife and eight-month-old daughter. I grew up in Eastern Iowa and my wife grew up in Ames. We love to spend time with each other and our families. I’ve lived in Iowa my whole life and did all of my medical school and residency training at the University of Iowa. I’ve been at the Waukee Pediatric clinic for two years now.

What made you want to become a doctor?

SJ: I initially went to college with no plans for med school. I got to my senior year and wanted a job where I could help people. I’ve always loved working with kids, and I’m very interested in people’s stories, which is what I think has helped bridge my theater major with my job as a doctor.

CE: I knew I wanted to become a pediatrician after my third year medical school rotation in pediatrics. I am kind of a kid at heart, so pediatrics fits perfectly with my personality. It allows me to have fun at my job every day.

What do you like most about helping patients in the Waukee community?

SJ: I love living in the community I serve. We live in Urbandale, but very close to Waukee. I like seeing familiar faces when we are out and about doing things.

CE: The thing I like most about helping patients in Waukee is that my patients and their families are people just like me. Iowans share a common bond and the Waukee community showcases that. Being able to relate to and understand my patients helps me take better care of them.

What advice might you have for parents wanting to teach their children about preventing illness?

SJ: The best way to prevent illness is to wash your hands. Teaching kids to cover their cough early on is a great skill too. And I’m never without some hand sanitizer in my bag!

CE: I would tell them the best way to avoid any illness is prevention. Whether it’s exercising every day, eating more vegetables or washing our hands, I would tell parents to display good behavior for their kids. Make prevention part of your daily routines. Starting early and making prevention part of your child’s life will allow them to develop strategies and good behaviors that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.

FOLLOW & LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

https://www.facebook.com/mywaukee

 
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
 

FOLLOW US ALSO ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM!

 

Faces of Waukee: Chad Airhart

by

Tell us about your background and professional career.

I began my collegiate studies with plans to be an art teacher. I began working at the Art Store in Des Moines, and eventually managed the business. I dabbled in the art community selling my own art and that of others I represented. I was the co-owner of McArtor Design Co. until I got into politics in 2003. I worked on numerous campaigns in various positions. In 2014, along with Jason McArtor and his creative director Zachary Kern, we started Goldfinch Media to publish myWaukee Magazine. I sold my stake of the business to Jason early this year to explore other business opportunities.

You are the elected Dallas County Recorder. When were you elected and can you tell us what you do in this role?

I was first elected in 2010 after defeating a 22-year incumbent. The county recorder records all real estate and real estate related documents. In addition, the county recorder is also the county registrar and keeps vital records (marriage, birth and death), registers off-road vehicles and handles passport applications and passport issues.

What other involvement have you had in the Waukee area?

Prior to being elected recorder, I served as the executive director for the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce. I also served on the Waukee Planning & Zoning Commission where I served as vice chair. I attended and graduated from the very first class of the Waukee Leadership Institute and eventually served on its Board of Directors and served as president of the board. I was granted their first ever Alumnus of the Year Award.

You recently purchased Pars & Cigars (now Iowa Cigar Co.) in West Des Moines. Tell us about that.

I’d been a Pars & Cigars customer for over a decade. After the previous owner passed away last fall, my business partner and I purchased the business from his family and changed the name to Iowa Cigar Co. We have a new air filtration system, the largest selection of premium cigars in Iowa and one of the largest selections in the upper Midwest.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as recorder?

In my eight years as recorder, my office has always run a budget surplus and hasn’t cost taxpayers a penny to function. Meaning, we bring in more money over the counter for services than we spend on payroll and office functions. In eight years, we’ve returned approximately $2.5 million to the county’s general fund. These funds have helped reduce the property tax burden on the county taxpayer. On top of that, we have made all of our records dating back to 1850 digitized and searchable online. We were the first county in Iowa to accomplish this monumental task.

It’s been an honor to serve in public office in Dallas County. I am running (unopposed) for my third term as recorder in November. While I don’t have an opponent, I would appreciate everyone’s vote.

 

FOLLOW & LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

https://www.facebook.com/mywaukee

 
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
 

FOLLOW US ALSO ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM!

© Copyright myTown Magazines