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You are here: Home / Archives for Advertorial

To Waukee Homeowners

July 12, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Every August, millions of people visit the legendary Iowa State Fair to enjoy great food, extraordinary entertainment and of course, the well-known Varied Industries Building, looking for the best deals on top-of-the-line products. I look forward to the Iowa State Fair each year, as I have many fond memories from all of my years there.

For me, it started 18 years ago when I moved from Minnesota to Iowa. I didn’t know a single soul here, but I truly believed in my product and I was ready to share it with Iowans, so what better place to do that than at the State Fair? I stood there in a small booth in the Varied Industries Building, excited to present the LeafGuard Gutters and explain to each person the benefits that the gutter system has to offer. To my excitement, Iowans seemed just as thrilled as I was to hear more about the superior, one-seamless-piece gutter system!

In 2010, I expanded our services to include GAF Roofing Systems. We had established ourselves as a reliable home improvement company and focused on providing excellent customer service, so naturally, it made sense to offer other products and services.

2017 was a milestone year for our company at the Iowa State Fair, as we debuted our new name: Home Solutions of Iowa (HSI). I changed the company name from LeafGuard to HSI because I wanted Iowans to know that we had more to offer than just the LeafGuard gutter system. As the company grew, so did the number of booths that we offered in the Varied Industries Building—bringing us to a total of two booths. This allowed us to dedicate one booth to customers who recognized us as LeafGuard and one booth that allowed us to introduce and showcase our other exterior products.

2020 was an extremely challenging year for everyone, with a lot of uncertainty on what was going to get thrown at us next. With more people staying home, a lot of people focused on home improvement projects that they had not gotten around to in the past. This is when our company decided to stay positive and turn our situation into a constructive one by offering not only the well-known LeafGuard Gutters and GAF Roofing, but also decks and rain barrels, as well. We wanted homeowners to be able to create their ideal outdoor living space and enjoy staying home in the most comfortable way possible.

Fast forward to this year! Summer is in full swing and we’re anxious for the Iowa State Fair to begin so we can see the familiar faces of past customers, as well as lots of new faces, and share all we have to offer. As in the past, we will have giveaway items and fun activities! I’m excited to speak with my fellow Iowans about all of your home improvement needs. I personally cannot wait, and I hope to see you there!

-Joe Smith

Filed Under: Advertorial, Business, Lifestyles, Waukee

Focus On Excellence – Welcome to Another Great School Year!

September 12, 2016 by admin

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Welcome to the 2016/17 school year! It was 100 years ago, on July 29, 1916, that the vote was held to consolidate several rural school districts into what is now the Waukee Community School District.

Do you think any of 187 men who voted in that election could have imagined what Waukee Schools would look like today?

As we enter the new school year, the most important things will remain the same. We’ll continue to provide a strong educational program for students; our teachers will still be committed to our children, challenging them to be the best they can be; and we’ll still have a community that supports our schools.

However, some things will new and exciting this year. We’re welcoming two individuals to new principal positions in our district. Cary Justman, who most recently served as principal at Dallas Center-Grimes, will be taking over as principal at Waukee High School, and Katie Ferguson, who has been an assistant principal in several Waukee elementary buildings in recent years, will be taking on the role of principal at the new Grant Ragan Elementary. Also, Cindi McDonald will take the superintendent reigns in December and Kirk Johnson and Terry Hurlburt have left their principal positions to take on the roles of associate superintendents.

The new Grant Ragan Elementary is complete and ready to welcome students. It’s a beautiful, modern facility of which the community can be proud. Grant Ragan marks the fifth time we have built the same elementary facility in the district. Shuler, Maple Grove, Waukee and Woodland Hills Elementary share the same design. We’ve simply “tweaked” each building with different finishes. This has saved the district hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past eight years, both in architect fees and change orders.

We will also be opening the new Waukee Innovation and Learning Center (WILC) in early October to support our APEX programming for juniors and seniors, and a new transportation and operations facility in December or January.

In addition, we have hired 59 new teachers in the district. Thirty-four of these teaching positions are in response to the rapid student enrollment growth that we continue to experience and are new/added positions that did not exist last year.

This past May, we graduated 549 seniors. We are anticipating approximately 840 kindergarten students. We plan to break ground on another new elementary school in February on the west side of Alice’s Road, in the city of Urbandale (across from the water tower), to open in the fall of 2019. And of course, the planning process for a second high school will kick into full gear during this school year.

Look for periodic celebrations and updates around the 100-year anniversary of the district throughout this school year. You can follow these events and enjoy some historical reminiscing on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WaukeeCSD and also on our Twitter account @WaukeeCSD and the hashtag #WaukeeCSD100yrs.

Also, we will appreciate your patience during the first few weeks of school as bus routes stabilize and driving patterns develop. We are adding over 1,000 new/different students to our bus routes, as well as some completely new routes to best serve our families. There are still a lot of road construction projects and closures to navigate.

We are excited to once again fill our hallways and classrooms with students eager to learn and grow! Welcome to another great school year!

David J. Wilkerson, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools

 

Filed Under: Advertorial, My City, School District

Community Policing in Waukee

September 12, 2016 by admin

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With the current nationwide focus on the relationship between the public and the police, community policing initiatives may now be more important than ever before. The 20-officer Waukee Police Department is striving to be a leader in that arena.

Waukee Police Chief John Quinn, who has been at the helm since March of 2014, said the concept of community policing originally came about as a way for police to work with community members to identify crimes being committed and to address resident concerns, but it has evolved to serve an even higher purpose.

“Today, community policing has transformed into policing operations and programs that deal with the department’s interaction with community members,” said Quinn. “It’s about building trust and confidence by providing open, honest and transparent public safety services.”

Under Quinn’s leadership, the Waukee Police Department adopted a community-focused mission. The department has implemented numerous programs that engage all ages of the Waukee population:

  • Bicycle Patrol: Officers on bicycles provide outreach and support on the city’s trails and parks via bicycles.
  • Body Cameras: Waukee’s on-duty police officers wear body cameras that activate each time officers have contact with the public. The cameras hold both officers and citizens accountable for their actions.
  • Citizen Police Academy: This series of ten, three-hour classes gives citizen participants a working knowledge of the police department’s practices, policies and procedures.
  • Community Event and Neighborhood Presence: Officers make a point to be present and visible at community events, such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Celebrate Waukee and Fourth of July festivities. They also make friendly stops in neighborhoods throughout Waukee.
  • Public Safety Day: The Waukee Police and Fire Departments feature public safety-related activities such as a child safety seat checks, child IDs and fire hose demonstrations at this annual event.
  • Safety City: The police department hosts week-long courses for incoming kindergarten students. The children learn about street safety, pedestrian rules, stoplights, safety belts, 911, bus rules and more.
  • School Resource Officer (SRO) Program: The SRO program places police officers within Waukee Community School District buildings to develop relationships with students and parents.  
  • Senior TRIAD Program: TRIAD, a partnership between law enforcement, senior services and seniors to reduce criminal victimization of the elderly, meets once a month for lunch and conversation.
  • Shop with a Cop: Each December, the Waukee Police Department takes low-income children shopping for holiday gifts for themselves and their family members.
  • Thanksgiving Baskets: The department also purchases baskets full of Thanksgiving food for needy Waukee residents. The residents choose from ham or turkey meals.  

murra-hermiston

Waukee’s School Resource Officers are some of the most recognized faces in town. Officer Brian Murra spends his days during the school year with students and parents. During the summer, when he’s not dealing with calls or traffic stops, you can find him handing out badge stickers at lemonade stands or tossing a football around with kids at Centennial Park.

“We really aim to build relationships with Waukee youth, and I think we’ll see the impact of our positive relationships carry over into their adult lives someday,” said Murra. “With the SRO program specifically, we are also there to provide a safe learning environment.”

Waukee school leaders say the SRO program has made a huge impact. “The officers have helped educate our students about a variety of safety concerns our youth face in today’s world,” said South Middle School Principal Doug Barry. “They have a proactive presence to help steer our students toward making positive choices in our school and community.”

Moving to the opposite end of the generational spectrum, you’ll find Waukee police officers at the TRIAD program. This engagement luncheon initiative has grown to almost fill the Waukee Community Center each month. Topics discussed with the participants include the officer hiring process, tips on avoiding identity theft and even an annual bus tour to see the new development being built in Waukee.

The most valuable information is about scams and the new things going on around town,” said one TRIAD attendee.

Age aside, the Waukee Police Department aims to provide a safe and comfortable community for all residents. While they’ve added several new programs recently, there’s no sign of stopping.

“I helped develop and implement the Citizen Police Academy, and I’m excited now to work on launching a Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program that will address crime prevention in rental properties,” said Sgt. Jeremy Long.

Chief Quinn said he’s proud of those in the department taking community policing so seriously. And while the main goal is to benefit the community members, he said it’s helpful to put the lives of officers into perspective for the public as well.

“The citizens can see that the men and women of the Waukee PD are fathers, sons, mothers and daughters themselves, just the same as them,” said Quinn. “I hope the public sees how humbled and honored the officers are to protect and serve the citizens of Waukee.”

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Filed Under: Advertorial, Lifestyles, My City

A “Rail” Success in Fundraising

July 15, 2016 by admin

Waukee RRVT Trailhead day

Waukee Trailhead Public Art Committee Secures $1.1 Million for “Waukee Railroad Pergola”

Bicyclists come from near and far to pedal along the Raccoon River Valley Trail, with its most significant trailhead located in Waukee. Thanks to a creative vision and a lot of planning and fundraising work, riders will soon have a new feature to enjoy.

The Waukee Trailhead Public Art Project Committee met its fundraising goal of $1.1 million on June 8, thanks in part to a $147,650 “Community Attraction & Tourism” grant from the Vision Iowa Board. The project has come a long way since the early planning stages.

“Several years ago, Chuck Offenburger and I were discussing that, as people came out of the metro on their bikes to the Raccoon River Valley Trail system, they didn’t really know there is a transition,” said Waukee Trailhead Public Art Committee Co-Chair Jim Miller. “We wondered how we could make the Waukee Trailhead a more noticeable gateway to the trail. We joked about building an arch; then we laughed and moved on. But that conversation stuck with me, and I thought maybe we really could do something special.”

In 2012, Miller and co-chair Randy Jensen formed a committee to discuss a potential trailhead art project. They didn’t know what it would be, but after meeting with designers, they got excited about the possibilities. David Dahlquist and RDG Planning & Design—the team that designed Ankeny’s High Trestle Trail Bridge art—was chosen by the committee to create something unique and regionally relevant for the site.

With the support of the Waukee City Council and after several rounds of public input meetings, Waukee Railroad Pergola – In the Shadow of the Rails was chosen as the art feature.

“The pergola design was the one that really resonated with people. Involving the community was a great asset, as instead of the committee making this huge decision for the community, the community was, in a way, making it for the committee,” said Miller.

Waukee Parks & Recreation Director Matt Jermier said the pergola design is great because it’s interactive. Bikers can ride through the actual art installation. It also features LED lights, which will make night riding more enjoyable. Plus, it has a unique tie-in to Waukee’s railroad heritage.

“Just as the railroad once linked one community to the next, so does the Raccoon River Valley Trail today,” said Jermier. “The former rail system was actually repurposed to form the Raccoon River Valley Trail.”

The current trailhead

The current trailhead

The City of Waukee previously earmarked $173,000 for capital improvements at the trailhead. Once the art project group formed, these budgeted funds were allocated to help pay for a comprehensive enhancement plan for the trailhead site. The plan includes a shelter and plaza structure and an improved parking lot.

“I think it’s evident, based on how many cars you see parked at the trailhead on any day of the week, that the trail is already very popular,” said Jermier. “The impact of the artwork will be huge as another amenity to offer Waukee residents and visitors. It will also serve nicely as a new western gateway to the City once the second high school and recreation complex are opened in 2021.”

Miller agrees that this amenity will bring more users to the trails. He notes the awe-inspiring experience he has each time he rides over the High Trestle Trail Bridge as a testament to the committee’s efforts.

“We’ve got the ability to replicate that kind of experience on this trail. A lot of people choose the High Trestle Trail because of the beauty and luminosity of the bridge,” said Miller. “Adding this fresh, new amenity will create that type of draw here in Waukee. It will be something truly unique to the trail system.”

And, it’s not just Waukee getting on board the art train. Eight other communities along the Raccoon River Valley Trail are planning to incorporate artistic elements from Waukee’s design into their respective locations.  Once completed, the public art features will be located along the full 89-mile trail corridor, creating one of the longest linear public art installations in the country.

The target completion date for the trailhead improvements and art installation is set for the summer of 2017. Miller said many people have asked why $1.1 million is going into this art project and not into other improvements, like trail surfacing. He explained that most of the funds raised are from sources dedicated to this type of project.

“This was very specific fundraising—very targeted to those who invest in arts and culture initiatives,” said Miller.

With the funding in hand and the plans approved, the groundbreaking on the project could happen yet this year. Jermier thinks the pergola art will be an attraction for both bicyclists and non-bicyclists alike.

“I think the recent installation of the American Gothic-inspired sculpture at the Waukee Public Library was well-received, and we’re excited to add more public art to the City’s landscape to really put Waukee on the map,” said Jermier.

The committee is now looking for additional funds to support the partnering communities’ portions of the project. For more information, visit WaukeeTrailheadArt.org.

New City of Waukee Logo - November 2015

 

Filed Under: Advertorial, Lifestyles, My City

Your Guide to Summertime in Waukee

May 6, 2016 by admin

 

Celebrate Waukee

Summertime in Waukee is shaping up to be full of fun in the sun, exciting annual events, family activities and more! Residents and visitors of all ages can find something entertaining and enriching in our city this summer. Here are a few highlights. Be sure to mark your calendars, and check www.Waukee.org/Summertime over the next few months for updates and more information.

The Waukee Public Library’s Summer Reading Program Registration begins May 27

Children, teens and adults of all ages can read or listen to books and earn prizes as part of the Waukee Public Library’s “On your mark, get set, read!” program from May 27-August 1. Also, every Monday night at 6 p.m., there will be an interactive family-friendly performance, from juggling, to polka, to Zumba! This year’s theme is health and wellness, and there will be many active programs for all ages throughout June and July. Some programs require advance registration. Please visit www.WaukeePublicLibrary.org to register for the program or for more information. These activities are made possible with generous support from the Rotary Club of Waukee.

Celebrate Waukee: Unlock Yours Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4

Don’t miss the second annual Celebrate Waukee festival, originally launched by the 2015 Waukee Leadership Class. The family-friendly event—now organized by a group of community-minded individuals—will kick off Friday evening with one of Waukee Parks & Recreation’s free “Movies in the Park.” Saturday morning festivities begin in the historic Waukee Triangle with a pancake breakfast and a 5K run. Activities continue with a parade that will take the fun from Triangle Park to Centennial Park. There, attendees will find activities for all ages, including inflatables, food, drinks, live music, fireworks and more. Co-Chair Kathryn Sandie says this year’s Celebrate Waukee is sure to “showcase all that Waukee has to offer, such as its heritage, schools, businesses and growth!”  

Bacoon Ride

BACooN Sizzles Waukee Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18

Bacon lovers unite! BACooN Sizzles Waukee will ride into Waukee on Friday, June 17—the night before BACooN RIDE TR3S: Ride for El Cured. BACooN Sizzles Waukee will kick off a weekend of bacon, bikes and beer, but you don’t have to be a rider to attend. Everyone is welcome to enjoy delicious bacon delicacies from vendors and the beer garden at Centennial Park, beginning at 5 p.m. Plus, you won’t want to miss the Kansas City-based ’80s tribute band, The M80s, as they perform from 5-11 p.m. On Saturday night, following the ride, Mickey’s Irish Pub will host a bacon, beer and bands event beginning at 2 p.m.

Waukee Public Safety Day Tuesday, August 2

In celebration of National Night Out, the Waukee Police and Fire Departments will join forces again for Waukee’s Public Safety Day. The popular annual event will feature an array of activities and demonstrations, including a child safety seat check, tours of the Waukee Public Safety Building, the chance for kids to use a fire hose, the opportunity to try Fatal Vision Goggles, which simulate impaired driving, and a child ID station where parents can have IDs made for use in case of emergency. Residents can meet members of the Waukee Police and Fire Departments at this fun and educational open house. The time and full itinerary will be released soon.

 


 

More Great Events

Downtown Waukee Farmers Market June 1-September 28 • 4-7 p.m.

The Farmers Market is held in the Downtown Triangle every Wednesday during the summer. It features local food vendors, fresh produce, handmade items and live music.

Visit www.WaukeeDowntown.com for more information

Movies in the Park Friday, June 3 and Friday, July 22

Head to Centennial Park at dusk for a free movie, shown on the big screen, under the stars. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy popcorn and soda sold by the Park Board.

Vote for your preferred movies at www.Waukee.org/MoviesinthePark.

4th of July Celebration Monday, July 4 • 3-10 p.m.

This annual all-day celebration will not disappoint with a 3 p.m. parade beginning in Waukee’s Historical Downtown. Centennial Park then fills up with inflatables, live music and food vendors, and the evening ends with fireworks!

Waukee Arts Festival Sunday, July 10, 12-8 p.m.

Sponsored by Stivers Ford Lincoln and held at Centennial Park, this event will feature artist booths, food vendors, a farmers market and performers throughout the day.

Sundays in Centennial Sundays in July from 6:30-9 p.m.

Sponsored by Stivers Ford Lincoln and Shottenkirk Chevrolet, the following free concerts will be held in Centennial Park:

  • July 10 – The Maytags (Soul with swinging horn section)
  • July 24 – TBD
  • July 31 – Jimmy the Weasel (Rockin’ Blues)

Visit www.WaukeeArts.org for more information.

Have an event you’d like to submit to the “Summertime in Waukee” calendar? Visit www.waukee.org/summertime for more information.

 

Filed Under: Advertorial, Lifestyles, My City

From the Waukee Library: Spring 2016

March 8, 2016 by admin

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It’s hard to believe that Waukee was home to a bustling coal mine less than 70 years ago.

The Waukee Public Library is proud to honor the legacy of the Shuler Mine and Camp in the library’s Coal Mine Meeting Room and Museum. The museum was generously donated in honor of Hiram Ori and officially dedicated on November 2, 2013. The museum features a wealth of information about the coal mine itself, but also about daily life in the coal mine camp, and information about the city of Waukee’s past.

To learn more about the mine, camp, and the museum itself, join us on Thursday, April 14 at 1:30 p.m. for a special program, “Shuler Mine and Camp History.” Bruno Andreini, a former chairman of the Shuler Group, will speak about the Shuler Mine. Bruno’s father was one of the first three people to take a carload of coal from the mine. Bruno was born and raised at the Shuler Coal Mine Camp. The Shuler Group is responsible for suggesting the name for Shuler Elementary School, as well as establishing a museum to remember and honor the Shuler Mine and Camp residents. Stay after the program for a tour of the museum, to share your own mine memories, and enjoy light refreshments.

Special Children’s Programs

Magic Show Fundraiser

Friday, March 4, 7-8:15 p.m.

Waukee High School Auditorium

Enjoy a magical evening of entertainment provided by four fantastic magicians from the Quad Cities Magic Club. Tickets can be purchased at the library for $5 in advance, or $8 at the door. Ages 2 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Summer Reading Program.

March of the Dinosaurs

March 1-31

Inspired by Dinovember and the book What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night, the library will celebrate the month of March with epic prehistoric shenanigans. Participate in dinosaur-themed social media posts, contests and activities for all ages, all month long. Watch out for dinosaurs on the loose!

Special Adult Programs

Ginni’s Garden Travels

Thursday, April 7, 2 p.m.

Ginni DeHaan from the Waukee Garden Club will share her travels through gardens in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Mid-East and Africa.

Shuler Mine and Camp History

Thursday, April 14, 1:30 p.m.

Hear Bruno Andreini speak about the Schuler Mine and tour the library’s museum.

How Austentatious: Tea & Accomplishments

Sunday, April 17, 1 p.m.

Ladies in Jane Austen’s day were expected to be accomplished in many areas. Try tea-making, hat-making and quilling, and learn how to make the fashionable breast-knot worn on Regency gowns.

Please visit our new website, www.waukeepubliclibrary.org, for more information about the library’s services and programs.

 

Filed Under: Advertorial, My Library

Waukee Fire Department

March 8, 2016 by admin

New Fire Hires 2016 - Front of Truck edited 2

Waukee Fire Department’s Staffing Increase Ignites New In-House Fire Academy

The City of Waukee saw a record number of fire calls in 2015. The Waukee Fire Department responded to 1,365 total calls last year, up nearly 22 percent from 1,121 in 2014. In fact, annual calls have increased by 110 percent over the last decade: the department responded to 650 calls in 2005.

“With the population boom we’ve seen in Waukee, the demands and expectations of the fire department have really increased,” said Fire Chief Clint Robinson. “We haven’t hired part-time staff in years. But we recognized the need and went through the hiring process at the end of 2015.”

Waukee runs as a “combination department,” staffed by a mixture of full- and part-time employees. There are five or six employees staffed during the day and four at night. The FD has seven full-time employees. Three work 24 hours on and 48 hours off, and the remainder work staggered eight-hour days. There are 28 part-timers who work 12-hour shifts one to three times per week.

“We’ve added seven new part-timers to help alleviate staff burn-out and, of course, to better serve the community,” said Robinson. “This will especially help fill our weekend shifts, which can be challenging, as so many of us are busy with family activities.”

Two of the new part-time hires—Brian Davis and Cody Nicely-Green—are state-certified firefighters and are actually employed full-time at other metro departments. Davis (Des Moines FD) and Nicely-Green (Urbandale FD) are seasoned, but are now learning things specific to Waukee. They’re wrapping up field training and will be fully deployable any day now.

Training in gear“I’ve been in the fire service for about eight or nine years now,” said Nicely-Green. “My father’s a firefighter. I grew up in a firefighter family. It’s just kind of second nature.”

“Waukee has a great reputation for treating their part-timers with respect and integrity, and really making them feel appreciated,” Nicely-Green added. “I just finished up my paramedic certification, so this is great timing.”

The other five new part-timers are not certified yet. In mid-January, they entered the Waukee Fire Department’s first ever in-house fire academy. Oscar R. Posadas, Cassie Yates, TJ Hardin, Jason Tuel and Luis Ohmstede will receive more than 140 hours of training before the 17-week program wraps up. There were several reasons the Waukee FD developed their own academy for these five recruits.

“We used to send new hires to West Metro Training Academy, but we’re cognizant of their time commitment. Since these five all live in Waukee, this means less driving for them,” Robinson said. “It also allows us to teach Waukee-specific material. And, we’re not paying tuition to another department.”

The new Waukee Fire Academy is taught by Waukee’s own firefighters and by guest instructors from various agencies. The classes, held two nights a week and one Saturday a month, range from classroom discussions on fire service history, fire behavior and rescue tools, to more intense hands-on training such as ice rescues, vehicle extrications and live burns.

Full-time mental health professional Cassie Yates is one of the new hires enrolled in the academy. She said she’s learning a lot in the classes and is enjoying the team atmosphere of the department. Yates is the only female member of the Waukee FD, but she says the academy promotes a level playing field.

“They treat me just like everybody else. They don’t recognize the fact that I’m female or not, which is exactly what I wanted,” Yates said. “I don’t want to be treated any differently.”

After the academy finishes up in May, the probationary firefighters will go to EMT school and engage in field training. Robinson expects they will be certified members of the Waukee FD by September. The department also plans to hire a new full-time certified firefighter this summer.

 

Filed Under: Advertorial, My City

Grand Prairie Parkway Now Open

December 28, 2015 by admin

GPP-90

Grand Prairie Parkway: New Gateway to Waukee Alleviates Traffic and Opens Doors for Development

After 15 years of planning, budgeting, designing, and constructing, the $50 million Grand Prairie Parkway roadway and interchange project was completed and opened to the public on Dec. 1.

City of Waukee officials, staff, and business leaders gathered on its opening day with counterparts from the City of West Des Moines and the Iowa Department of Transportation to celebrate the accomplishment of the collaborative project.

Former U.S. Congressman Tom Latham, who played an integral role in securing federal funding for the roadway, spoke at the gathering. “This is going to change the whole community—the whole region. It will have a tremendous impact,” said Latham. “I’m so glad to see what we worked on for years and years finally completed and being used.”

Waukee Mayor Bill Peard admits it was an emotional day for all invested in the project. “I’ve served as either Waukee Mayor or on the Waukee City Council since 1998. Bringing this new gateway to Waukee has been a high priority during that time. Waukee city councilmembers, legislators, staff members, and I worked very hard to make Grand Prairie Parkway a reality,” he said. “To say I was proud as I first traveled on it would be an understatement. It was a monumental day for the City of Waukee.”

The 2.25-­mile Grand Prairie Parkway has already seen its share of users since opening day. Early traffic counts from Foth Infrastructure & Environment show 8,000 drivers traveled the corridor on day one, and usage is expected to grow.

Another study has already shown decreased traffic on previously burdened roads like Jordan Creek Parkway and Hickman Road.

GPP-145While some were nervous about the new diverging diamond interchange design, most drivers seem to be catching on quickly. “The design of the diverging diamond is a game changer—smart and efficient—and it is our first new option for heading to work,” said Waukee resident Tom Buckmiller. “Hickman and especially

University have been so congested during the commutes recently. Grand Prairie Parkway is a great alternative with fewer traffic lights, less traffic, and less stress.”

Waukee resident Missy Welch agreed. “It shaves about seven minutes off my commute to work,” she said. “Plus, I’m looking forward to seeing which businesses and other things pop up along the way.”

She’s not the only one. “Some may look at this as the end of a project, but this is only the beginning,” said Peard. “This opens up Waukee to the world, and we’re already receiving positive feedback from developers. Over the next several years, the Kettlestone area will start to take shape and should really improve Waukee residents’ access to jobs within the city, as well as to fine dining, new retail, personal services, and more.”

While drivers get used to the new roadway and interchange, they can anticipate the continuation of South Grand Prairie Parkway as a new direct connection to West Des Moines, as well. Construction is currently underway for the roadway portion south of the I­80 overpass. City of West Des Moines officials anticipate a completion date of late fall 2016.

Up Next: Widening Alice’s Road

Even before the addition of Grand Prairie Parkway, the widening of Alice’s Road was on the radar of City of Waukee officials. It is now a priority in the Waukee City Council’s five­year Capital Improvement Plan.

Phase One of this multi­year project will include the widening of Alice’s Road from University Avenue to SE Olson. Based on the financing structure of city bonds, funding for Phase One will become available in the spring of 2018.

Phase Two will include the portion from SE Olson Drive to Hickman Road, with funding becoming available in the spring of 2019. A trail underpass is also planned to be constructed just north of SE Olson. The entire project is estimated to cost $15 million.

Alice’s Road will remain open during construction. It is the city’s goal to have ongoing communication with citizens about the timing of this project and any traffic inconveniences.

Filed Under: Advertorial, My City, Under Construction Tagged With: Alice Road, city of waukee, Grand Prairie Parkway

Waukee Chamber: January/February 2016

December 28, 2015 by admin

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Waukee Chamber Hosts West Side Legislative Breakfast

The 2015 West Side Legislative Breakfast was held at the Waukee Community Center on Thursday, December 10th. The Waukee, Windsor Heights, West Des Moines and Clive Chambers of Commerce welcomed guests from their membership to hear from regional legislators on what they foresee in the upcoming session and what major issues they will be addressing. State Senator Charles Schneider, State Representative Peter Cownie, State Representative Chris Hagenow, State Representative Rob Taylor and State Representative Ralph Watts spoke and answered questions from the audience. Thank you to our legislators for participating and to all members and guests in attendance for joining us.

New Business in Waukee

Congratulations to Insight Vision on your Thursday, December 10th, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! Insight Vision is located at 1350 E. Hickman Road in Waukee. Check out this business online: http://insightvisioniowa.com/

Breakfast Before Business

Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce members enjoyed breakfast while developing business relationships at First American Bank in Waukee on Tuesday, November 17th and at Peoples Trust & Savings Bank on Tuesday, December 8th.

Waukee Welcomes U.S. Chamber and Local Business Leaders to Luncheon

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a regional luncheon on November 10th in Waukee. Natalie Masri of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Center for Women in Business, presented on their research report, Advancing Women to the Top, and shared best practices of 12 Fortune 1000 companies that excel at promoting and developing women at the board, C­-suite, and management levels.

Attendees from Greater Des Moines Partnership Affiliate Chambers of Commerce learned six insights that companies of all sizes and across all industries find helpful for increasing women’s leadership. Afterward, five local female business leaders served on a panel, discussing tips for success, personal brand management, negotiating strategies, mentorship and their journey to the top.

Filed Under: Advertorial, My City Tagged With: Waukee Chamber

Car Ownership from New ­to 120,000 Miles

December 28, 2015 by admin

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Have you ever asked your mechanic if your car is worth a certain repair? Here, we’ll cover repair economics from new to 120,000 miles, and next time, we’ll cover how to get the most out of your car after 120,000 miles.

Generally, today’s vehicles are very reliable through the first 100,000 miles, with most needing very few repairs. All vehicles, however, will need routine maintenance, like oil changes, filter replacements, and tire maintenance. Also, anyone who would like to keep their vehicle rust­-free should wash it on a regular basis. The best way to prevent rust is to wash the underbody, especially after driving on chemically treated roads, such as after winter storms. It’s all about prevention, which means you must start when the vehicle is new, and continue for the life of the vehicle.

The next significant phase in the life of a vehicle is between 90,000 and 120,000 miles. This is the time to replace long­-life iridium spark plugs, the timing belt, water pump, and shocks and struts. You should also get an antifreeze flush, as well as differential and transmission services. These are all routine maintenance services that you can plan and budget for, even before you purchase the vehicle.

We often hear the question: “Is all of this expense worth it?” Yes, it’s worth it for the vehicle, and yes, it’s worth it for you, as long as you plan to keep it for years to come. Your vehicle definitely needs these scheduled services, but if you plan to sell it in the near future, you may also choose to wait and let the new owner pay for them.

Next time, we’ll talk about repair options for vehicles with 120,000+ miles, and how to make the best repair decisions based on your ownership plans for a vehicle.

Filed Under: Advertorial, Automotive Tagged With: car ownership, vehicle tips, Willard Garage

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