Progress at The Crossroads: Directions

Progress at the Crossroads
DIRECTIONS 17
DeWITT 2017
DeWitt’s history is the history of the Midwest’s rich agricultural heritage, starting when mid-19th century settlers
surged into a wild and untamed prairie to build new lives. That pioneering spirit helped DeWitt to survive wars
and economic depressions to become a diverse community with a strong manufacturing core surrounded by fertile
farmland that helps to feed the world. This special section of The Observer is a salute to our people – past and
present – as it explores who we are, what we do, and why we matter.
2 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2017 | THE DEWITT OBSERVER
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Who
THE DEWITT OBSERVER | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2017 3
WHO WE ARE
A short
history of
We Are
DeWitt, in
five chapters
By John Brassard Jr.
Local Historian
I. Settlement
B
Prairie fires helped soil grow rich
and black, made Iowa farm leader
efore any European set foot

within what would become
known as Clinton County,
prairie ran unchecked for
miles and miles. A vast sea of
grass stretched from the Mississippi River
across Iowa, broken occasionally by trees
that mostly grew along rivers and streams.
Every so often in the warmer months,
black clouds would darken the skies and
furious thunderstorms would spew forth
rain and lightning. Sometimes, when the
grass was dry, that lightning would start
a fire in those rolling fields of grass. The
fire hungrily ate those fields, spreading
quickly. The vegetation was burned into
ash, which mixed with the soil.
Over time, this
cycle was repeat-
ed over and over
again. The soil
grew rich and
black, making it
While many ideal for nearly
anything to grow
settled along the in. Eventually,
river bank, others that would make
pressed further Iowa into an agri-
inland. The area cultural power-
house.
around DeWitt Iowa was
was a good opened to wide-
place to build spread settlement
a homestead, in 1833. Hungry
for land, people
owing to plentiful moved quickly
timber and water across the river
sources. Soon, from Illinois and
other states to
more and more snatch it up and
settlers began to build new lives
come to the area, for themselves.
ready for the But, the prairie
land that they
challenge. flocked to was
still wild and
untamed. Before Directions ’17 photo by Trevis Mayfield
they could build Local historian John Brassard Jr. recalls DeWitt’s history in front of the iconic Operahouse Theatre, built in 1878 in DeWitt.
even a basic farm, settlers first had to gain
a foothold on the very land itself.
One of the first men to come to Clinton All of their clothing was handmade those days had a definite advantage over
County was Elijah Buell, a former steam- from bolts of cloth. Most other household other towns. The county courthouse was
boat pilot on the Ohio and Mississippi goods were made from scratch in a simi- built there, and all legal proceedings were
rivers. He founded the city of Lyons, lar fashion. carried out there.
and helped to start a ferry across the They knew one another, and would This meant that your town played host
Mississippi River from Lyons to Fulton, help each other in building a thriving new to every other town in the county. These
Illinois. farm community, which they had become people would need a place to stay, and a
While many settled along the river by 1841. place for their horses. They would need
bank, others pressed further inland. The restaurants, livery stables, hotels, and gen-
area around DeWitt was a good place II. Courthouses eral stores to support the influx of people
to build a homestead, owing to plentiful County seat gave DeWitt prestige, coming to conduct their legal business.
timber and water sources. Soon, more and was boost to business development Because there was potential for suc-
more settlers began to come to the area, cessful business opportunities, more peo-
ready for the challenge. By 1841, the land was becoming more ple would bring their families and settle
Between roughly 1838 and 1840, set- civilized. in the county seat. More people meant
tlers steadily moved into the area of what Early that year, officials of the newly more revenue flowing into the town cof-
would one day be DeWitt. Colonel Loring formed Clinton County met and decided fers, which, in turn, led to more overall
Wheeler and his brother-in-law, A.G. EARLY SETTLER: J.D. Bourne was to move the county seat from Camanche improvements in the town. This is exactly
Harrison, built their cabins near here, and one of the first settlers of Clinton to the center of the county. Travel was what began to happen in this fledgling
Abram Folcke and his family started a County, as well as its first sheriff. hard in those early days, and it was decid- town in the middle of Clinton County.
farm a little over two miles west of the He was the one who went to the ed to make a town at a point where every- Initially, it was called Vandenburg, but
future town. Dubuque land office to buy the land one had an approximately equal distance the name was soon changed to DeWitt.
Those families had little more to work that would become the city of DeWitt. to travel to. The first courthouse that was built
with than the tools that they brought with The officials traveled to Abram was a crude wooden building, but it
them, the skills and knowledge they had and protect themselves from the deadly Folcke’s home near the proposed town served its purpose well enough. The first
acquired before coming here, and the Midwestern cold. They used their horses and pitched their idea to the settlers there. classes of the very first school in town
sheer determination of their own wills. to break the ground and plant crops. What They loved the idea. James D. Bourne,
were held there, as well. By 1846, a new
They used what they had to make the best livestock they had were brought with future sheriff of Clinton County, was sent
wood-frame building had been erected
life that they could. them from elsewhere, and then bred and to buy land for the new town from the
to replace the old one. By 1854, the third
They used the timber to make their raised on the new homestead to create land office in Dubuque.
homes, as well as start fires to cook with new herds. Any town that became a county seat in WHO WE ARE | PAGE 5
DIRECTIONS 17
Progress at the Crossroads STORY INDEX
DIRECTIONS 17
Who We Are
F
3.......A short history of DeWitt, in five chapters
9.......Historical museum tracks change in life of community
......... - Essay by Ann Soenksen
or 153 years, The Observer together in the years ahead.
10.....Right ‘attitude’ needed to help area succeed
has proudly served the infor- Above all, we hope you learn some-
mation needs of its customers thing new from this section, find it to be ......... - Essay by Patricia Henricksen
– readers and advertisers – as
the community’s forum and its
a valuable reference, and keep it around
to share with newcomers to the commu- Where We Live
voice. In this special section, Directions nity. 12.....City with a past always looked ahead
2017: Progress at the Crossroads, we Our special thanks goes to our commu-
peek into the DeWitt area’s past, assess nity contributors: 18.....Small towns lucky to have DeWitt as ‘hub’
its present, and peer a little into its future. Pat Henricksen ......... - Essay by Don Kent
This special project Greg Gannon 20.....School today more than just a path to a diploma
is, in essence, a cel- Don Kent ......... - Essay by Dan Peterson
ebration of the com- Steve Lindner
munity’s progress –
yesterday, today, and
Dan Peterson
Angela Rheingans
How We Work
tomorrow. Ann Soenksen 23.....Demand for workers driving programs
We want to And I want to personally thank mem- 25.....Secret of our success? ‘DeWitt doesn’t know it’s small’
acknowledge the bers of The Observer staff, who not only ......... - Essay by Angela Rheingans
many people who produced this section but did so while
LARRY
helped us to compile
this report. Along
also maintaining the regular newspaper’s
twice-a-week publication schedule.
What We Make
LOUGH with reporting by Please let us know what you think. 28.....More than corn: Local manufacturing diverse
staff members and correspondents, we 30.....Ag, vital to local economy, faces challenges ahead
called on several members of the commu- Larry Lough ......... - Essay by Greg Gannon
nity to write essays to add their voices to Executive Editor
the discussion of issues we will be facing The Observer
When We Play
33.....Parks system a city gem, with precious future
Directions 17 is a specialty publication of Sycamore Media Corp., this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sycamore Media
108 W. Quarry Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060, 563-652-2441 or Corp. cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sycamore 38.....Growth essential to ensure city’s success
800-747-7377. No portion of this publication may be reproduced
without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not
Media Corp. cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or
performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed
......... - Essay by Steve Lindner
the responsibility of Sycamore Media Corp. The information in in any portion of this publication.
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WHO WE ARE
Who
families lessened somewhat. They could
travel to town, and then take the train to
We Are
do any one, or even all of those things.
Where an individual might be isolated
from family members back East for the
rest of their lives before, train travel now
allowed them to take annual visits.
LAST Various towns, counties, and even the
COURTHOUSE: state funneled a great deal of money into
Continued from page 3 The 1854 bringing the railroads into being. But,
Courthouse, which their hard work paid off. Railroads nearly
and final courthouse building in DeWitt was DeWitt’s final
was constructed, this one of brick. doubled the size of DeWitt, and eventual-
courthouse, was ly all towns in the county were connected
Several businesses of all different kinds made from brick.
grew and flourished, as did the population by them.
Those bricks were By the turn of the century, another inno-
of the town. A hotel, the Pacific House,
repurposed for vation had arrived – the automobile. Cars
was built along the main north/south
private homes were an amazing thing for farmers. Sure,
roadway through town. Several churches
after it was torn they could take the train all over, but
of various denominations were founded.
Wood-frame homes were now being down. they had to get to town to take the train!
built, replacing older log cabins. With the car, you could go faster than you
By the 1860s, DeWitt had several could in a wagon, and you didn’t need to
schools, both public and private. But that hitch it to an animal. The car also allowed
decade would bring bad news as far as the for long-distance travel, ending some of
courthouse was concerned. the last vestiges of the isolationism of
By that time, Lyons and Clinton had rural areas.
grown considerably. The businessmen Instead of taking a weekly or monthly
there no longer wanted to travel halfway trip to town in the farm wagon, a farmer
across the county to do business. They alternatively, people walked. There were general rule. and his family could simply hop into the
wanted to travel a few blocks and then go no roads at first, so people rode wherever In 1856, the first railroad was built car and go to town for the afternoon, then
home. they wanted. through DeWitt. This new innovation be back at home for supper.
After a bitter and hard-fought battle, Soon, roads were improved, going from
For many years after they were made, changed the town forever.
they successfully had the county seat dirt to gravel and then, finally, to being
roads were hardly more than dirt paths. Where communities across the nation
moved to the city of Clinton. Although paved. People could take to the open road
DeWitt had lost its courthouse, being the After a heavy rain, they would become had been separated by distance, both
muddy bogs. When the road dried out socially and economically, the train now and go wherever they wanted, whenever
county seat for so long had already given they wanted.
it a significant boost in growth and early again, it was often warped and bumpy, enabled people to travel long distances
success. making for an uncomfortable ride. year round, regardless of the weather.
Riders were at the mercy of the ele- People could now ship or receive goods IV. Agriculture
ments in the open air. Dust from dry from relatively remote areas to large Settlers came to farm open land;
III. Transportation innovation made vocation easier
Railroads, automobile altered roads blew into your face unchecked, not areas of commerce within the state, like
business, culture of rural life to mention wind and rain. Snows could Davenport or Dubuque, or even farther to
From its very beginnings, DeWitt has
completely block the roads, making them New York or Chicago.
been at the heart of a thriving agricultural
In the early days, travel in Clinton impassable. Because of a combination of Socially, families could take both
area.
County was generally done by animal, weather, poor road conditions, and slow short-distance expeditions for business,
When the first settlers first came here,
with a person riding on a horse or in a travel times, people did not regularly visiting family, or even just sightseeing
wagon or buggy pulled by a horse. Or, travel long distances for several years as a and shopping. The isolation of rural farm WHO WE ARE | PAGE 6
WHO WE ARE
Who
allowed the farmer to drive livestock or
harvested crops to DeWitt, or maybe the
We Are
stockyards in Malone, instead of driving
all the way to Davenport, Clinton, or
DeWitt Chapter, Dubuque to sell their harvest or stock.
Daughters of Gradually, farm equipment became
the American motorized. Tractors and drivable com-
Revolution, bines replaced animal power, which
provided a marker allowed for even more land to be put
Continued from page 5 for the grave under the plow.
they came to gain land for farming. of Johannes During the Great Depression years of
Agriculture was a much-respected pro- (John) Lepper, a the 1930s, farms began to receive elec-
fession throughout the 1800s, and several Revolutionary War tricity, which allowed for electric lighting
men of the area spent at least some time veteran who is and household conveniences to be put
doing it. buried in Elmwood into the farm home.
The pioneers found that the rich, black Cemetery. After Farm equipment continued to grow in
dirt was excellent for growing crops, but the war, Lepper size and complexity. Eventually, many
lived in New York tractors, combines, and planters had more
first they had to tame the land. For years
and Pennsylvania computerized parts attached to them,
untold, the long prairie grasses had grown
before moving to allowing the machines to be more precise
deep, thick roots into the soil, and were
Iowa in 1839. He in what they planted.
resistant to tillage. But the pioneers were
died at age 75 in
determined to tame the land.
Using oxen and sometimes draft hors-
Clinton County in V. Wars
1840. His body Local men volunteered to fight;
es, the pioneers built large, heavy plows was removed from
that, with the power of the sturdy animals women offered support at home
the Harold Muhs
pulling them, were strong enough to farm in 1941 and
break the dense roots of the prairie sod Wars always leave their mark on the
interred in DeWitt. land, no matter how long they are fought.
and enable the early settlers to till the soil
and plant some of the first crops in the They leave scars on its people, physically,
Contributed photo mentally, and emotionally. They change
county.
For the next several years, farming how people look at the world, and not
remained pretty much as it always had. always for the better.
Men would work in the fields and take The first war that was fought after the
care of livestock, while women would founding of DeWitt was the American
Civil War.
take care of the various household
For many years, the issue of slavery
chores. Animal power was the rule of the former blacksmith and agricultural inno- same fashion, easing the life of the farm-
had been debated throughout the United
day, with a horse pulling a plow while vator John Deere. No longer did a farmer er, who had previously had to walk the
States, and the tension between those who
the farmer walked behind it, guiding it have to stop to scrape off the thick soil furrows and plant seeds by hand.
were for and those who were against the
through the soil. clinging to his plow blade. With the steel Farm operations gradually became
institution had strained to the breaking
But all of this would rapidly change blade, the dirt didn’t stick at all. more and more mechanized, further eas-
point. In 1861, it finally snapped, and war
over the next 100 years. Eventually, the sulky plow allowed a ing the already hard life of farmers and
had begun.
By the middle 1800s, cast iron plow farmer to sit on the plow while a team of allowing them to take care of increas-
President Abraham Lincoln sent out
blades were replaced by steel ones, horses pulled it through the field. Planters ingly larger fields. Innovations in trans-
brought into widespread usage by the and cultivators were soon made in the portation, such as the car and the train, WHO WE ARE | PAGE 7
Established in 1999
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who started his own business 3 years ago right around the
corner from his father as owner of Yoerger Automotive
Owner Joe Carber

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WHO WE ARE
Who
We Are
Continued from page 6
the first of many calls for volunteers from
across the U.S., and the men of Clinton
County as a whole were only too happy
to answer it. They were patriots, and they
believed in their
country. DeWitt,
as one of the
biggest towns in
the area, also sent
many of its citi-
President zens off to fight
Abraham Lincoln in several places
over the war
sent out the first years.
of many calls for Men of
volunteers from DeWitt fought Contributed photo
across the U.S., at the siege of
OFF TO WAR: Members of Machine Gun Co. 350th Infantry pose at Camp Dodge, Iowa, in late 1917. Some of the men were
Vicksburg in
and the men of Mississippi, as
from DeWitt and fought in World War I.
Clinton County well as many
as a whole were other places off to places where they were needed. on the battlefields of the South. troops. Starting in 1941, Iowa farmers
only too happy to throughout the And anti-slavery sentiments in the The same patriotic dedication was produced record amounts of agricultural
south. Some were DeWitt area brought many escaped slaves shown again a few generations later after goods to aid in the war effort.
answer it. even sent to fight through local stops on the Underground the outbreak of World War I. The men Women wore many hats, with some
as cavalryman in Railroad. went to war, and the women supported entering more traditional roles by rais-
North and South War can sometimes bond groups of them at home in any way that they could. ing supplies to aid the troops, and others
Dakota against people together, and those bonds cannot Some of them even volunteered to be
hostile Native American forces there. becoming nurses. Still others entered the
always be broken just because a given con- nurses and went overseas to take care of
On the home front, women from DeWitt flict is over. When the men returned home the wounded. work force to fill the gaps left there by
and other towns throughout the county in 1865, they formed veterans’ societies, Two decades later, the nation went men who joined the military.
formed societies dedicated to the aid and such as the Grand Army of the Republic. back to war with Germany during World DeWitt would continue this pattern,
relief of the soldiers off at war. They They would provide support and counsel- War II. The same patterns emerged, with with both its men and women serving in
would gather supplies both for the healing ing for each other, continuing throughout several men going off to war, while oth- Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan in ever-
and comfort of those men, and then send it the rest of the 1800s what they had started ers stayed at home to raise food for the expanding roles. n
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Growing Needs
Mark Schmidt, manager of American
Mutual in Grand Mound, stands on
the future site of the 4,000-square-
foot American Mutual building to
be constructed in 2018. The move
will allow them to better serve
their customers and expand
their staffing.
NEIGHBORS
HELPING
NEIGHBORS
As a mutual policyholder you are an owner of American
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the confidence that our decisions are always based on
what’s best for you, your farm, and your family.
Come see why, since 1878, your neighbors have trusted
American Mutual Insurance for their farm insurance needs.
• Founded in 1878 by a group of local farmers to provide

property protection at reasonable rates. Many residents
of the area can trace their ancestry back to the founders.
• Even after 140 years, American Mutual still serves only
local farmers and homeowners in Clinton, Jackson,
Scott, Cedar and Jones Counties.
• In 1955 American Mutual purchased Dugan’s Saloon and
remodeled the front half for the Post Office and the back
half for American Mutual. Remodeled in 1967 for the full
Shown above are the current building for American Mutual and the use by American Mutual.
architectural rendering of the future building to be built in Grand Mound in 2018.
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WHO WE ARE
Historical museum tracks change in life of community
I
By Ann Soenksen
n 1977, Marvin Doescher, a local

history enthusiast, had a plan to
start a Historical Society in DeWitt. Essay by
Wanting the group to be more than
just DeWitt, they decided to call Ann
Soenksen
it Central Community Historical Society
and encompass all of Clinton County
except Clinton and Camanche.
The work of the Historical Society
began by having a few meetings and
getting direction on how to proceed. In Ann Soenksen
March 1977, the Central Community His- is president
torical Society became an official orga- of Central
nization with the mission of saving items Community
Historical Society.
from our past for future generations.
It has been a very interesting 40 years
Directions ’17
and counting. I was elected president at photo by
the creation of the Historical Society and Brooke Taylor
have continued the journey to save our
history through preserving of artifacts,
and ongoing genealogy research.
Genealogy is very important to me, and
the Historical Society is a window to our
past. Knowing more about how our ances-
tors lived, the hardships they have gone
through, and the changes in their lives lets
us connect with the past. played at the Central Community Histori- the area is very important. You can help ing all county history books from 1874,
Through genealogy, we see how our cal Society Museum help to remind us of by volunteering a few hours a week, all county atlases from 1865, a 3x5
ancestors endured numerous hardships those previous times. through financial support, and by donat- index card file of births, deaths, marriag-
and the joys of a simpler life. The fami-
ing items from our past when cleaning es, anniversaries and 1-year-old babies
lies averaged far more than 1-3 children Museum could grow
of this day and age. The children helped out your, your parents’, or grandparents’ from the area. In addition, we have
The future plans of the museum are to
out with chores, of which there were homes. People are always surprised by school annuals, telephone books, 200
have more volunteers involved in care
many, and farm families had numerous of the museum and its grounds; to be the numerous items we save and have indexed scrapbooks, old newspapers,
duties on the farm. open more hours; and do more work on that wouldn’t be possible without dona- and records of all tombstones in Clinton
The change in daily life has been very cataloging items, filing, and changing tions from the community. County.
dramatic in the past 100 years, from indoor displays. We have an expansive collec- Community support also means com- The Central Community Historical
water, plumbing, furnaces, air condition- tion, so there is the possibility that our munity engagement. We have a large Society is a great resource for saving our
ing, cars, television, electronic devices, museum could grow if needed. genealogy area that includes family trees past and bringing it all together in our
and computerized farm machinery. We are a community-based organi- and many other documents. We also museum for future generations. Be sure
The items we have collected and dis- zation, so support from the people of have very extensive references, includ- and stop in and visit. n
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Pictured, first row, left to right: David Ringen, Josh Nissen, Bill Paysen, Lori Johnson, Brian Hess, Beth Anderson, Christian Coons, and Tayler Green.
Second row, left to right: Tucker Lawson, Yonas Teklemariam, Daniel Nuttall, Dale Gluesing, Randy Munro, Bob Zimmerman, Josh Daniel, Steve McDonnell, Marcie Mills, and Kerry Garrow.
Back row, left to right: Bryce VanDrew, Daniel DeCock, Tyler Webster, Stacia Reynolds, Clarence Baker, Waylon Henningsen, Keith Krause, John Schelb, and Brooke Corbisier.
SEPTEMBER MARCH OCTOBER JULY MARCH OCTOBER

2012
2013
2014
2015
2017
2017
• Building purchased • 5 Full-time members • 11 Full-time members • 18 Full-time members • Official re-branded to • 27 Full-time members
• Renovation started started initial cast produce Wear edges • Began production of Black Cat Wear Parts as and adding a second shift
product distribution • Made First Shipment Carbide Insert Blades from business growth demanded to keep up with increasing
Selkirk MB location to DeWitt more than just blades. demand in products.
WHO WE ARE
Right ‘attitude’ needed DeWitt Profile

SEX/AGE/RACE COMMUTERS
to help area succeed

Population: 5,283 Workers 16
Male: 2,486 and older: 2,658
Female: 2,797 Vehicle alone: 2,271
Median age: 40.7 Vehicle carpool: 137
V
18 and over: 3,958 Public transport: 59
65 and over: 803 Walked: 105
By Patricia Henricksen Step up to the plate One race/white: 5,113 Other means: 50
Think about the seeds that Worked at home: 36
olunteering is one started these organizations. Was HOUSING Mean travel time:
way to exhibit a Give it a person or group with a small Total households: 2,171 18.8 minutes
Back Attitude. idea that led to a bigger plan and Families: 1,407
Where did you then a better life for those within With own children, under PLACE OF BIRTH
learn to give back? the community? Those forward- 18: 618 Total population: 5,283
Was it your parents, friends at thinking people spent time and Married-couple family: Born in U.S.: 5,137
church, extra-curricular school talent, and gathered finances, to 1,139 Born in Iowa: 3,800
groups, or people with a similar make their idea a reality. Citizens Male head (no wife): 52 Foreign born: 110
hobby interest that modeled this throughout the county benefit Female head
trait? from their efforts by living in (no husband): 216 ANCESTRY
How did it make you feel to give communities with advantages Avg. household size: Total population:
back – happy to see that child with for education, varied cultural 2.38 5,283
a new bike helmet, happy to see experiences, safety services, and Avg. family size: 2.98 German: 2,769
the school build a new auditorium, wellness amenities. Some of those Irish: 1,028
happy to see a family with more businesses that especially stepped EDUCATION American: 356
food for the week? up to the plate with the hospital, Pop. 25 and over: 3,503 English: 346
What was the feeling you felt Essay by post office and fitness center were No diploma: 119 Norwegian: 259
when you knew you wanted to
continue to do this for others or Patricia DeWitt Bank and Trust, First
Central State Bank and Iowa
High school grad: 931
College, no degree: 891
Dutch: 157
French: 116
your community?
A Give Back Attitude may mean
Henricksen Mutual Insurance Co.
What affected your attitude
Associate degree: 513
Bachelor’s degree: 743
Scotch-Irish: 110
Polish: 109
talent, time, or $1. today? Where were you when you Advanced degree: 306 Danish: 74
Patricia Henricksen is
Clinton County is blessed with executive director of LincolnWay thought, “I am so grateful …”? French-Canadian: 73
many people that have the Give Community Foundation. Think of the experiences you EMPLOYMENT Scottish: 70
Back Attitude. Organizations within had this week that were possible Pop. 16 and older: 4,114 Italian: 70
the county are shining examples because someone thought it would In labor force: 2,854 Arab: 67
of this knowledge. A few of these Women of Welton, Grand Mound be a “good idea.” Did you walk in Employed: 2,766 Greek: 56
organizations that foster the Give Foundation, Hospital Auxiliary, the park, visit the fitness center, or Unemployed: 88
Back Attitude in youths include Girl Calamus Foundation, Clinton stop at Tunes in Town? What group Not in labor force: 1,260
and Boy Scouts, 4-H Clubs, church County Fair, Central Education decided, “Let’s do this!”? These
youth groups, and FFA. Adults Foundation, CDPAC Benefactors, people have a Give Back Attitude. Source: American Community Survey, the U.S. Census Bureau’s
find outlets for their Give Back Parent-Teacher Organizations, Did someone instill a Give Back Population Estimates Program, 2015 estimates
Attitude in Lion Clubs, the Police and LincolnWay Community Attitude in you? How can you share
Foundation, Volunteer Firefighters, Foundation. this attitude with others? n
THE W RLD!
What’s inside the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library?
SERVICES OFFERED:
• Access to a wide variety • Printing & Copying services
of books, audiobooks, • Faxing services
DVDs, eBooks, and more • Scanning services
• Free WiFi • Interlibrary Loan services
• Free access to online • One on one technology
databases assistance
• Reader's Advisory • Meeting Space
• Public access computers • Programming for ALL ages
We serve the City of DeWitt,

and rural Clinton County
residents including Andover,
Charlotte, Delmar,
Goose Lake, Grand Mound,
Low Moor, and Welton
Check out our Facebook

page to keep up-to-date
563-659-5523
OLD LIBRARY BUILT 1897 6TH AVENUE www.dewitt.lib.ia.us
NEW LIBRARY BUILT 1987 ON 10TH STREET on our future expansion
Celebrating you are invited
COMMUNITY
IMPACT FUND
THESE COMMUNITIES HAVE
BENEFITED FROM LINCOLNWAY
GRANTS AND/OR ENDOWMENTS:
growing a legacy
CALAMUS, CAMANCHE, CHARLOTTE, DELMAR, DEWITT,
GOOSE LAKE, GRAND MOUND, LOST NATION, LOW
MOOR, WELTON AND WHEATLAND.
November 6, 2017
DeWitt Operahouse Theatre ENDOWMENTS
Hors d'Oeuvres & Beverages FOR EDUCATION AND
5:15
COMMUNITIES
5:45 Program: Growing your Legacy by
Seeding, Fertilizing, and Harvesting
6:15 Recognize Leaders Under 40 1987 - 2017
6:20 Announce 2017 Grant Recipients
6:30 Conclusion of Program
GRANTS
LINCOLNWAY ACCEPTS GRANT
APPLICATIONS ANNUALLY FROM
CLINTON COUNTY
SCHOLARSHIPS COMMUNITIES.
ANNUALLY AWARDS $100,000+
TO THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTS:
CALAMUS-WHEATLAND,
NORTHEAST, AND
CENTRAL DEWITT
www.dbqfoundation/lincolnway.org
Where
WHERE WE LIVE
City with a
past always
looked ahead
We Live
I
By Kate Howes
Staff Writer
t’s no secret Bill Homrighausen

loves DeWitt. It is a fact for which
he is widely recognized.
Having earned the nickname
“Mr. DeWitt,” Homrighausen is
looked to as a beloved guardian of local
history.
He and his family moved to town from
their farm south of Grand Mound in 1930,
when he was just 5 years old.
“I’m so fond of this city,”
Homrighausen said with a smile. “I tell
people, I moved here, and never found the
door to get out.”
But the 92-year-old said since the day
he moved to DeWitt, he never had any
desire to leave.
Instantly, it became his home.
One of Homrighausen’s favorite things
about his hometown is its accessibility.
“DeWitt is one of the most ideally
located towns anywhere,” he explained.
“At one time, we were considered one
of the busiest crossroads in the world.
U.S. 61 and U.S. 30 bisected right here
in downtown DeWitt. Two major arteries.
We’re also not far
from I-80. Our
proximity to other
places is so rare.
“We are close
to the Quad
“DeWitt is one of Cities, and
the most ideally Clinton … we are
just minutes away
located towns from 400,000
anywhere. At one people in those
time, we were combined areas
alone, where
considered one there are colleges,
of the busiest businesses, and
crossroads in the any number of
world. U.S. 61 and resources avail-
able to us. We
U.S. 30 bisected have so many
right here in choices.”
downtown Homrighausen
DeWitt. Two credits that acces-
sibility as the
major arteries.” reason DeWitt
— Bill Homrighausen has continued to
prosper, and to Directions ’17 photo by Trevis Mayfield
rebound in the Bill Homrighausen and his family moved to DeWitt in 1930 and “never found the door to get out.”
wake of reces-
sions.
He also believes that as times change,
the town changes with them. People were losing their farms, and the a Realtor to locate available properties, it, and the [Associated Press] picked it up.
Decades ago, Homrighausen saw Sixth economy was beginning to collapse. the banks to assist with financial matters, From that point forward, we put one foot
Avenue teeming with taverns, gas sta- “We were kind of a bedroom communi- and an attorney to handle the legal end in front of the other. It was a crazy time;
tions, a shoe store, men’s and women’s ty for the Caterpillar plant in Mount Joy,” of things, they got the city ready to sell an exciting time. We just leap-frogged
clothing stores, a department store, dime Thiltgen said. “It was closing, and things itself. from there.
stores, and hardware stores. here were starting to look dismal.” “We were competing with Davenport, “People from the Quad Cities were
Over time, he watched those same Then, DeWitt lost one of its own major Cedar Rapids,” Deckert said. “We didn’t even calling us, asking, ‘How are you
businesses reduce in number or even fade employers, a company called Stolper. have a lot in terms of incentives. We won- doing it?’ We just said, we had a ton of
away entirely. Something needed to change. dered, how to do we compete?” people who stepped up to the plate. What
Local retailers have adjusted to meet A group of individuals – including The answer – cherry pie. you see today is due to the efforts of a
the needs of a changing world, where representatives of Whenever a prospective employer handful of people who said, ‘We can do
convenience and one-stop shopping has Alliant Energy, came to town, the chamber would leave a this.’”
become a priority – a necessity in an DeWitt Bank fresh-baked cherry pie in his or her hotel
increasingly fast-paced society. and Trust, First Still room to grow
room.
“At one time, we had at least five Central State A local group called, “Revitalization of
“It may sound simple,” Deckert
hardware stores on our main street,” Bank, Realtor DeWitt” or “ROD,” was formed to clean
explained, “but the concept was, we want
Homrighausen said. “Now, all you need Chuck Green, up the buildings in the downtown area
to be your neighbor, and we want to do
to do is go to Theisen’s. Businesses have and attorney John and recruit retail businesses.
business with you.”
come and gone for different reasons, Peavey – banded While it was a tough time for the
whether it’s because the owners have Then, a company called West Point –
together to ready DeWitt area, community members made
retired, or simply because certain products Pepperell Inc. came looking to bring one
their community sure the city not only survived, but
aren’t needed anymore.” of its divisions to the area.
for economic thrived.
It would create a lot of jobs, and would
DON development. Thiltgen credits that same spirit for
Was it the cherry pie? They started be a tremendous boost to the local econ-
THILTGEN omy. making DeWitt what it is today – vibrant,
Don Thiltgen moved to DeWitt in by hiring Eileen and enjoying continuous, steady growth.
1980. He served on the city council for 12 Deckert as executive director of the Whether it was the cherry pie or the
It’s the very same kind of growth that
years, and has been mayor for the past 17 chamber, which had been operating on town’s overall appeal that won them over
DeWitt City Administrator Steve Lindner
years. a part-time basis and focused mainly on might never be known. But of all the sites
said the housing market is experiencing in
When he and his family arrived in retail promotions. company executives had to choose from,
DeWitt.
town, the farm crisis had not quite With Deckert as the point-of-contact the one they picked was DeWitt.
In the past 15 years, the town has seen
reached its peak, but the area was feeling for businesses looking to move into town, “We got a ton of publicity out of it,”
its effects. Deckert said. “Paul Harvey talked about WHERE WE LIVE | PAGE 14
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WHERE WE LIVE
Where
‘Evolving’ educational practices
Sustaining vitality as a community
requires a careful balance between residents
We Live
and industry. While DeWitt competes with
other regions for both, it is certainly hold-
ing its own.
One reason for that might be the number
of appealing facilities the city offers.
Several city parks, a thriving school dis-
trict, a Genesis-affiliated hospital – Thiltgen
the development of about 200 housing noted those are all amenities not many
units, most of which are owner-occupied communities of DeWitt’s size have.
homes. When compiling the list of conveniences
New developments include Jacobson DeWitt offers, Thiltgen, and Lindner put
Farms on the southwest side of DeWitt, the Central DeWitt Community School
and Mackin’s Addition and Cobblestone District at the top of that list.
Estates on the city’s north end. Local schools endeavor to provide stu-
There are lots of opportunities for dents a quality education by way of hiring
further housing developments as well – valuable employees, updating current facili-
almost 200 acres on the west end of town, ties and creating state-of-the-art new ones.
50 to 60 acres to the north of Westwood Expanding and enhancing learning
Drive, and across from Central DeWitt opportunities also includes the incorpora-
Community High School where land is tion of technology, and using it in a variety
available. of ways to meet a variety of goals.
All those areas are within the city’s “Our goal is not to view technology as
infrastructure – streets and sewers. a separate thing,” said Jen Vance, who is
As for existing homes, Lindner said the district’s director of innovation and
the city has received millions of dollars instruction. “It is a seamless part of our
in grant money over the past 15 years to instruction. We are no longer using tech-
provide rehabilitation to low- and moder- nology just to say we’re using technology.
ately priced residential homes. Our overall goal is to prepare our students
HUD loans are used to fund rehabilita- for the time when they leave our doors. We
tion projects, and the city has been able to will continue to evolve in our practices as
afford to be more aggressive in matching technology evolves.”
those loans, dollar for dollar. District media specialist Tammy
“One of the things we’ve worked really McClimon first started at Welton
hard on is not to lose homes to disrepair Elementary in 1984, a time when teachers
and blight,” Lindner explained. “It makes were excited just to have a television to
share.
them nicer, safer, and more affordable
“When the Apple 2Es arrived in 1989,
places for residents to live. And for their
they were in computer labs for students
neighbors, homes with new roofs, new
to use, not on the teachers’ desks,” she
siding … they help save neighborhoods Contributed photo
recalled. A few years later, the teachers had
and boosts property values.” them. As the technology changed, so did DeWitt’s Operahouse Theatre was built in 1878 as a vaudeville stage – which is
As for the future, Lindner sees moni- we.” still in use. The movie house has a theater that seats 239 people and hosts an art
tored, moderate growth in DeWitt’s pop- gallery in the lobby. The theater, which is owned by a non-profit board of directors,
ulation. WHERE WE LIVE | PAGE 15 has undergone various improvements over the years to meet the community’s needs.
Serving the Area for 70 Years As A LocAL

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Continuing to expand Internet access

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connecting you to the world yesterday, today, & tomorrow
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WHERE WE LIVE
Where
implemented in the district include the use “[High school principal] George Pickup
of interactive whiteboards in kindergarten and [guidance counselor] Carl Small
through third grade, and moving from
We Live
come here to the school and give us some
using poster board or paper and pencil direction. We take that information and
to iMovies and other digital presentation incorporate it into our curriculum. Eighth-
tools. graders also get a tour of the high school.
Teachers use a digital learning manage- “This allows the students to see and get
ment system as opposed to writing assign- to know George and Carl. There are sev-
ments, which supports the district’s move enth- and eighth-grade students who play
Continued from page 14 toward a paperless learning environment. some of the same sports as the kids in the
With the rise of the internet, McClimon Students can Skype with students outside public school, and that allows them to get
remembers, she helped former Central their classroom for projects – and even
to know those kids.”
DeWitt employee Jim Hetrick wire with people around the world.
For example, students in Jessica Rooks’ Roling said when St. Joseph has a
Ekstrand Elementary, so each classroom school dance, Central DeWitt students are
could be connected to the World Wide Web. second-grade classroom took a guided tour
of the Roald Dahl Museum in England, also invited, and vice versa.
She also recalls the transition from help- As for what the future holds, Roling
ing students look up books using a card without ever leaving their classroom.
Vance said teachers use technology to said she sees the school’s relationship
catalog, to using online catalogs, databases, with the school district and the communi-
enhance instruction, not as a substitute for
and eBooks. ty only getting stronger.
direct instruction.
“As I look back over the years, I am “Technology is not the driver, but “At St. Joseph, we include the faith
amazed at how we, as a district, have kept is always available,” she explained. component, but for all of us, it’s about
up with technology. But we’ve also kept the “Teachers are constantly thriving to find academics, and social and emotional
purpose of technology to be enhancing the a balance between hands-on experiences development,” Roling noted. “We share
education of our students. I love watching versus technology experiences. these common goals.”
teachers and students find new forms of “We’re extremely proud of how our St. Joseph School is in its 153rd year of
technology to use, whether it be ‘Flipgrid’ district is keeping up and pushing beyond Directions ’17 photo by Kate Howes
existence, a fact Roling finds incredible
to talk to a class in Canada, or a program the minimum to provide our students the St. Joseph’s School works closely with given DeWitt is a small town.
to draw pictures of what they’re learning opportunities to grow through the use of the public schools to prepare kids for She attributes its longevity to the
about.” technology. The technology our district the transition after eighth grade. phenomenal amount of support from the
One of the biggest changes involving provides offers opportunities our students community.
technology at Central DeWitt was the start might not otherwise get.” Community School District, St. Joe
of the 1:1 Initiative program. also has students from the North Scott, ‘Clean, cheap, and courteous’
It began during the 2010-2011 school Parochial school has faith
Northeast, and North Cedar School While the landscape of DeWitt has
year, and one of the main benefits of St. Joseph School also strives to pro- changed throughout its history, some of
vide rich educational experiences for its Districts.
the program is that it “levels the playing its structures have stood the test of time.
field” for all students where technology is students. Roling said that since her school goes
only through eighth grade, she works One of the most beloved, long-standing
concerned, Vance said. The parochial school, which has 193 buildings, which has always served the
Some students had computers at home, students in preschool through eighth- closely with Central DeWitt Community
High School administrators to ensure same purpose – to provide entertainment
while others did not. The program enabled grade, offers area families a different to the public – is the Operahouse Theatre.
students in grades four through 12 all option when it comes to education. students’ transition from one building to
Built in 1878, the theater seats 239 and
have their own laptops, and kindergartners “I would say that St. Joseph puts faith another is a smooth one.
serves people from 45 ZIP codes.
through third-graders had their own iPads. in education,” said principal Sharon “We have a strong history with that
Dianne Prichard, who has managed the
It gave them the opportunity to learn Roling. “We welcome students of all partnership,” she said. “Our final goal is
Operahouse with her husband, Bim, since
about their areas of interest independently, faiths, and we infuse Christian values into to prepare them for college and a career;
1986, credits its success to the “three Cs.”
and opened them up to the virtual world. subjects.” to instill those readiness skills in high
Other examples of technology being In addition to the Central DeWitt school. WHERE WE LIVE | PAGE 17
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I
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Jack Seeser was a well-seasoned entrepreneur who had been involved in many successful
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J
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1118 11th Street | DeWitt, IA | www.genesishealth.com/DeWitt

WHERE WE LIVE
Where
“We’ve always had a church that meets is nothing quite like seeing it on the big DeWitt, which at the time was known as
there,” Prichard said. screen. DeWitt Community Hospital.
We Live
The theater even became a beacon of “It’s really a community center, in a The LincolnWay Community
hope during the farm crisis. way,” Prichard said. “It’s just a place Foundation also “fertilizes” numerous
In the late 1970s, the building was for where the community can feel welcome organizations, to help keep them growing
sale. and use however they need to.” and improving.
For fear it might not be purchased or As of Feb. 1, 2018, the Prichards will Examples include donations to the
that the town would lose its theater, a pass along the duty of managing the the- DeWitt Chamber and Development
Continued from page 15 group of business people pounded the ater to the next generation – their daughter Company for the new banners downtown,
pavement in and son-in-law, Laura and Ben Miers. the skate park, dog park, historical society,
“We’re clean, cheap, and courteous,” search of dona- youth football program, fire department,
Prichard explained. “That’s always been tions. Gave rise to Foundation and the new hog barn at the Clinton
my mantra. People feel welcomed there.” After numer- The Operahouse is a prime example County Fairgrounds, to name a few.
The theater, which is owned by a ous pancake of what the charitable spirit that flows Finally comes the “harvest” component
non-profit board of directors, has under- breakfasts and through DeWitt can accomplish. – enabling residents to reap the benefits of
gone various improvements over the years “We’ve got to monetary dona- In fact, the theater inadvertently led the services area organizations provide.
to meet the community’s needs. tions, they bought to the formation of one the community’s The foundation has supported caus-
Originally a vaudeville stage (the origi-
plan for our
most philanthropic organizations – the
nal stage is still being used), the transfor- future, and groom it. In November
1981, the theater LincolnWay Community Foundation.
es that include the Summer Lunch Box
Program through the DeWitt Referral
mations the building has undergone would people to get on was again open “The Operahouse really was the base Center, the band shell project at Lincoln
not have been possible without the support committees and to entertain the of this foundation,” said the foundation’s Park, Special Olympics, Little Trees Park,
of the public, Prichard said. public. executive director, Pat Henricksen. “In 1981 DeWitt Junior Women, Friends of Frances
Barb Olson of DeWitt left a legacy of give something when it opened … that’s how it all kind of
“Everybody at the Frances Banta Waggoner Community
$30,000, enabling the board to buy the back. We’ve got took a chance, started. People coming together to help save Library, the DeWitt Noon Lions’ butterfly
building next door to the theater to expand to keep looking and it worked,” an important part of our community.” garden at Westbrook Park, and the Central
in 2006. toward the Prichard recalled. Now in its 30th year, the foundation DeWitt Performing Arts Center.
Also in 2006, when DeWitt’s downtown “I think all those awards $93,000 in scholarships each year Henricksen said one of the more sizable
streetscape project was in full swing, the future, and our and hundreds of thousands of dollars to
fundraisers united future projects to which the foundation
Operahouse closed for remodeling that community – as the community teachers in need of educational tools and will donate funding is the expansion of the
made it entirely handicapped-accessible. a whole – has during a time supplies. public library.
When it came time to take the when we really Henricksen said the theme of the In the meantime, board members of the
leap from film to a digital projector
such a history
needed it.” 30-year celebration is, “Seeding, LincolnWay Foundation will continue to
– a machine that cost $80,000 – the of doing that.” The theater Fertilizing, and Harvesting.” award as much funding as possible, by
LincolnWay Community Foundation —Patricia Henricksen has been the site Not only is it a theme fitting for an way of endowments, scholarships, and
provided all funding. of many sold-out agricultural community like DeWitt, but grants.
Prichard said the only thing in need of musicals, dance it is also the entire premise on which the “It takes giving people,” Henricksen
replacement these days is the carpet. recitals, and even foundation was built. related. “DeWitt is so blessed to have such
“We’re in a really good place right famous public speakers, including former The foundation offers seed money, an ability to give back, with people to
now,” she said. first lady Michelle Obama. which has helped fund the start of the share their wealth, and talents, and their
Aside from showing movies on a sin- It’s also home to an art gallery – First Central Educational Foundation, as well time.
gle screen seven days a week, Prichard Central Gallery, located in the lobby – as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, “We’ve got to plan for our future, and
said, the theater is used in numerous other giving visitors access to area artists’ work. which has provided 53,000 books to chil- groom people to get on committees and
ways. It’s a place that’s comfortable, the dren ages zero to 5 in Clinton County give something back. We’ve got to keep
It’s a venue that offers the ideal, inti- popcorn is always fresh, and while peo- since 2012. looking toward the future, and our com-
mate size for various productions and ple have endless options for watching In the 1990s, the foundation also award- munity – as a whole – has such a history
organizational meetings. or streaming a movie these days, there ed $50,000 to Genesis Medical Center- of doing that.” n
1941 PROUDLY SERVING

THE DEWITT AREA SINCE 1941
Raymond F. Lowe and his wife, Ida, opened DeWitt Auto Body Shop in 1941.
Building was built by Bonnie Knepper. Ida was the secretary while Raymond
ran the rest of the business. They retired in 1972 selling the business to
son-in-law and daughter, Travis and Joyce Knight. Travis learned auto body
repair from his father-in-law, Ray, and continued running the business until
his retirement in 1984. Max Casad then purchased DeWitt Auto Body and
continued serving DeWitt and surrounding communities with high quality
workmanship. On May 3, 2014, Max passed away. The business continues
with the same dedication and commitment to quality and customer service.
1947
RAYMOND F. TRAVIS MAX

LOWE KNIGHT CASAD
• Collision Repair • Body and Paint Work
• Paintless Dent Removal • Local and Long Distance
• Hail Damage 24-Hour Towing
2017 • Small and Large Dents • Frame Straightening
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WHERE WE LIVE
Small towns lucky to have DeWitt as ‘hub’

E
By Don Kent
ducation
Agriculture Essay by
Don
Transportation
E.A.T. spells eat, which we
all must do. Those are the
three basics that founded Iowa, especially
Eastern Iowa, DeWitt and Grand Mound
in particular.
Kent
Education: The incubator and sustainer
of all things, past, present and future.
Agriculture: The creator of the products Don Kent, 94,
that started our economic growth, past, is a resident of
present and into the future as far as we Grand Mound.
can see and imagine.
Transportation: Fulfilling our need to Directions ’17
use our agricultural products to gain the photo by
Trevis Mayfield
most benefit from them.
EDUCATION has progressed from the

one-room country school, to a consolidat-
ed school with a high school, to our fine
community school serving DeWitt, Grand
Mound, Low Moor and Welton with the
quality education needed today. These
small outlying towns are so fortunate
to be so close to the hub (DeWitt) that
ensures sufficient students to be an effi-
cient district, and the students don’t need
to be bused too far.
I foresee the school system being nim-
ble enough to change to our future needs.
AGRICULTURE has been so prom-

inent in our past and present. I marvel at
how we can look out and see the latest most advanced seeds, herbicides and with driverless vehicles on the horizon Mound. My father
and most advanced farming in the world equipment. and high speed rail on our doorstep. High was a railroad agent, and a job opening
at our doorstep. speed rail and grade crossings don’t mix brought him and his family to Grand
I feel very sure that this will continue TRANSPORTATION has also been well, so I see overpasses and no diesel
Mound in 1939. I was a senior in high
as we are the breadbasket of the world, a very important part of our past and horns in our future.
surrounded by the firms developing the present. This will continue to expand Transportation brought me to Grand KENT | PAGE 20
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WHERE WE LIVE
Kent
Our school district size is a factor in
being able to make those changes, but
more important, our staff members have
become accustomed to – and drive – an
school at that time and have called this environment where we make changes
home ever since. quickly, based on the needs of students.
The quality of life available to you We no longer settle for status quo. and
and I in this area is why I continue to are constantly pushing to do more for our
live here. Five minutes from a top-notch kids.
hospital surrounded by quality and caring
medical professionals. I can’t say enough Data-driven instruction
about our school system and facilities. So One of the biggest changes I have
thrilled with our performing arts center witnessed is the level of details we know
and the classrooms, and athletic facilities about the edu-
are first class. Add to that an outstanding cational needs
630 S 6th Ave, DeWitt, IA 52742 • (563) 659-3221 library, fitness center, and park system. of students. We
Such a vibrant DeWitt main street, as use high-quali-
well as a city full of professionals to serve ty assessments
all our needs. Many churches serve our to determine,
community so well, and our past is chron- in detail, the
icled by our historical museums, and the The future of achievement lev-
future is so brightened by the LincolnWay Central DeWitt els and individual
Foundation and Impact Funds in Grand Community needs of students.
Mound, Calamus and Welton. We use that data
School District to make daily
I feel God blessed to live in Grand
Mound, surrounded by so many individ- is extremely changes within
uals caring for each other. A kind word at bright. We have our classrooms,
the post office, on the friendly front porch a stellar mix of so the instruction
swing, at church, or in the bountiful gar- and content we’re
families, staff, providing to stu-
dens open to all. n
administration, dents is exactly
school board, what they need.
That takes
and community a great deal of
working toward work for our
the incredible teachers, and they
education we are committed
to providing this
have in place. type of education.
The professional
Proud to
development we
have in place for
teachers supports that effort, where they
work in teams by grade levels and content
be a part of areas. Our teachers no longer work in iso-

lation, and there is a great deal collabora-
tion among our staff to ensure we’re all
the DeWitt working in the same direction to provide

the level of education we aspire to.
Our students and staff members thrive
in an educational setting where up-to-date
community Essay by
technology is an expectation. All students
have either an iPad (grades K-3) or a
laptop (grades 4-12) personally assigned
for the past Dan

Peterson
to them. We are now at a place where our
technology is an expected component of
17
the educational experience we offer.
We truly love our kids, and we will
continue to see great results because of it.
Dan Peterson is superintendent of Central That can be seen in the academic achieve-
DeWitt Community School District. ment of students and the programs in
School
which they participate. We will continue
Years!
to offer new and additional opportunities
that are relevant to the future of students,
whether in the classroom or in extra-cur-
today more
ricular and co-curricular activities.
Looking beyond high school

The number of college courses our high
than just
school students are able to take within the
high school, at no cost to them, has gone
from one to 51 within the past 10 years.
Pictured: DeWitt Travel Mart employee That will continue, as it is a great oppor-
a path to
Connie Kagemann tunity for students, as well as a great
savings for their families. Within the next
few years, we will have students walking
a diploma
across our graduation stage to pick up a
diploma, while also receiving an associate
degree from Clinton Community College.
We also continue to expand our
CTE (Career & Technical Education)
A
and STEM (Science, Technology,
By Dan Peterson Engineering, and Math) opportunities
in an effort to continue support of the
s the superintendent for growing workforce and skilled trades in
Central DeWitt Community our area.
School District, I am The future of Central DeWitt
extremely blessed to serve Community School District is extremely
in such a supportive school bright. We have a stellar mix of families,
district. As a community, we take great staff, administration, school board, and
pride in the education and opportunities community working toward the incredible
we offer students. education we have in place. It is because
Throughout our history, Central DeWitt of the support of our constituents that we
has strived to go above and beyond what have accomplished great things, and will
districts our size typically offer students. continue to do so.
That is no different today, and it will con- We operate with an understanding that
tinue to be true in the future. we haven’t arrived, nor will we ever. We
We take pride in our ability to change are a district that strives for excellence,
quickly, regardless of whether it’s a and we will continue to be a district that
minor change, or something systemic. is admired for our achievements. n
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He ating & Air Con ditio ning
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providing service to the Clinton County area
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Sean Connell, Mary’s son, joined the ownership in 2011.
Over the 60 years, several other family members have been involved in the company’s successful achievements. Corporate leadership
within Air Control spans over 100 years of experience in the areas of custom metal fabrication, dust collection and HVAC contracting
and includes the 2014 Iowa Small Business Person of the Year Award. ACI’s focus throughout their history has been to provide quality
design, fabrications, installations and on time deliveries at competitive pricing.
In recent years they have achieved ISO 9001:2008 and 8(a) certifications. ISO 9001:2008 is an international quality standard that
has helped ACI to streamline their processes and ensure customer satisfaction. 8(a) certification is a government certification that allows
Air Control, Inc. to bid on government set-aside projects as well as compete in competitive bid projects. They are already beginning to
see the benefits of the opportunities brought forth for the company, the employees, and communities that they serve.
Growing to meet your

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1984 - Ownership
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Manor to the current
Wheatland Manor
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2006 - 7 more apartments

added to Lincolnway Villa
Assisted Living
2008 - Recognized as a 5-Star Rated Nursing Home, the highest

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2015 - Bronze National Quality Award winner
2016 - Expansion of Wheatland Manor

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How
HOW WE WORK
Demand
for workers
We Work
drives
training
I
By Tom Pantera
and Nancy Mayfield
f you work in DeWitt, chances are

better than even that you don’t live
in DeWitt.
That was perhaps the most surpris-
ing finding of a labor shed study
of the area commissioned in 2015 by the
Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. That
study, which covered Clinton, Scott and
Muscatine counties, identified the area
from which employers draw commuting
workers.
It aimed to provide data on those work-
ers, everything from the pay they desire
to the distance they would be willing to
commute for a job.
The study also found that employers in
Clinton County are fairly diversified, even
if some kinds of jobs predominate.
Jobs by sector
31.6% – production, construction and
material handling
30.3% – professional, paraprofessional
and technical jobs
12.3% – clerical/administrative support
9.8% – service
9.4% – managerial/administrative
6.1% – sales
0.5% – agriculture
Among other findings in the study was
that DeWitt workers had an unusually
high level of education. It found that 71.4
percent of workers in the three-county
labor shed had education beyond a high
school diploma.
Median wages and salaries in the area
also are relatively good. Countywide, over
the past decade, wages have outpaced
inflation by 10
percent to 20 per-
cent, depending
on the industry.
Directions ’17 photo by Trevis Mayfield
Still, the work-
force here isn’t DeWitt mayor of 17 years, Don Thiltgen recalls the impact of the 1980s farm crisis and how it affected the DeWitt economy.
“You’ve got to standing still.
hire constantly Looking to While Rheingans didn’t have hard data “We were kind of a bedroom communi- As has been the case for months,
to find the ones do better on turnover, she hears that companies ty for the Caterpillar plant in Mount Joy,” demand for labor is close to outweighing
that are going to A plurality of are paying their higher-paid employees Thiltgen said. “It was closing, and things supply, Susie said.
fit” in entry-level those who are enough to keep them, but the same might here were starting to look dismal.” In Clinton County unemployment was
working but seek- not be true of lower-paid, entry-level jobs. But the community came together to at 3.9 percent in September, down from
positions. “When ing a change in “You’ve got to hire constantly to find develop a strategy for bringing in new 4.4 percent in August and from 4.8 per-
you find the ones employment, 29.4 the ones that are going to fit” in entry-lev- employers. cent in September 2016. Unemployment
that are going percent, are doing el positions, she said. “When you find the While prices for grain and livestock hit a 10-year high of more than 8 percent
so because of a ones that are going to fit, you’re promot- have been down the past several years, in early 2010.
to fit, you’re Jobless rates in the 4 percent and 3 per-
layoff or employ- ing them up.” farm-sector employment has remained
promoting er relocation. But Keeping those lower-paid positions consistent since the economic downturn of
cent range point to virtually no unemploy-
them up.” ment, as probably about 3 percent of the
23.5 percent want filled often is difficult because, while peo- 2008, Swenson said.
people seeking jobs will not be successful
— Angela Rheingans higher pay. ple might drive from, say, the Quad Cities The Great Recession hit Clinton County for one reason or another, Susie explained.
The yen for to DeWitt for such a job, they will always hard. When the labor market gets this tight,
higher pay is be on the lookout for even a relatively “It is so significantly manufacturing-de- she and other experts say, prospective
particularly strong modest raise at another business, she said. pendent,” Swenson said. employees might see more competition
among hourly However, DeWitt fared better overall, for their services in terms of wages or
wage earners, who make up 75.4 percent Making and growing showing small employment growth be- other benefits.
of Clinton County employees. Those With some 4,600 people employed in tween 2007 and 2011. Swenson agreed.
unlikely to change jobs made an average manufacturing, and an additional 1,200 “It did much better than the county “Competition for employees will
of $18.75 an hour, while those likely to plus in agriculture in Clinton County overall, and much better than the city [of become keener,” he said. Pay, benefits,
change made $15.50 an hour. alone, those industries drive the economic Clinton],” he said. amenities, flexibility are all issues that
Among the unemployed who would engine, said David Swenson, associate Rural economies in small counties “are come into play.
accept employment, the lowest wage they scientist in the Department of Economics vulnerable to business cycles. You have to
would accept is $15 an hour, the study in the College of Agriculture at Iowa State expect that,” Swenson said. Nurses, techs in demand
indicated. University. In the meantime, a big challenge is
The labor shed study found the median So, DeWitt has had to weather econom- Qualified workers needed building the skills of the workforce to
hourly wage for industrial workers in the ic downturns in both manufacturing and Today, it’s a jobseeker’s market, with meet the growing need for technologically
county is $23.46 an hour. farming. unemployment rates at consistently low savvy employees. Local factories require
Angela Rheingans, executive director Don Thiltgen, who has been mayor of levels and some employers struggling to the operation of sophisticated machinery.
of the DeWitt Chamber and Development DeWitt for the past 17 years, moved to find workers to fill openings, said Lori Clinton Community College sees the
Co., said while that means industrial DeWitt in 1980. Susie, area manager for Sedona Staffing needs as an opportunity.
The farm crisis had not quite reached its Service, which has offices in Clinton, “As I look at the work we do, we have
employers here are paying significantly
a critical role in preparing local people for
above the “happy point” – that $18.75 an peak, he recalled, but the area was feeling Maquoketa and Rock Falls, Illinois.
the workforce,” said Karen Vickers, presi-
hour – that might mean there’s less turn- its effects. “We are always looking for quality
dent of Clinton Community College.
over, at least in higher-paid, more skilled People were losing their farms, and the candidates,” she said. Sedona connects
jobs. economy was beginning to collapse. businesses with the workforce. HOW WE WORK | PAGE 24
HOW WE WORK
How
We Work
Lori Susie
is the area
manager
for Sedona
Staffing
Part of that mission is tailoring the Service,
curriculum for professions in demand. which has
The college relies upon advisory boards offices in
made up of people from local industries to Clinton,
let it know what skills they need in their Maquoketa
employees. and Rock
The nursing program is one example Falls, Illinois.
of a growth area, Vickers said. Students
can become registered nurses and earn an Directions ’17
associate degree, and then chose to earn a photo by
higher degree while working in their field. Brooke Taylor
“I love it when I go to the doctor and
one of our graduates is a nurse there,”
Vickers said.
Engineering technology is another
field in high demand. That program offers
a wide span of skills that can lead to a
good-paying job. “All the schools have really support- Iowa Community College. Ag courses Iowa. When she joined the organization
It’s important that the college be re- ed dual enrollment,” Vickers noted. are popular, Principal Christine Meyer in 2008, local unemployment was at 8
sponsive to the changing face of many ca- CCC’s Maquoketa campus houses the said, as are college biology, word pro- percent, more than double today’s rate.
reers, she said. Once associated with hot, Advanced Manufacturing Center that cessing, and employment strategies. “It’s changed dramatically,” she said,
dirty factory floors, production facilities provides such programs as CNC ma- At Northeast High School in Goose echoing other professionals in noting
have evolved. chining and welding. Lake, 60 students are dual enrollees in that almost every job in the future will
“The manufacturing industry isn’t what At Central DeWitt High School, classes offered by Clinton Community require technological know-how.
it used to be,” she said. “It takes great skill Superintendent Dan Peterson said the College. Classes in computer science, “Everywhere, the skills are ramping
and offers great opportunities.” school offers 44 college-level classes, agribusiness, and animal science are the up,” she said.
About 1,500 people are in the CCC with 78 students who are dual enroll- most popular. Her office does a variety of training,
system. Of those, about 60 percent will ees. (Some could be enrolled in one Another arm the college that coor- which includes the area of “soft skills”
move on to a four-year-degree college. An more college class.) Most of those are dinates in Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine that cover such things as communication
additional 40 percent will seek employ- in courses through Clinton Communi- and Scott counties is services under the skills, timeliness, and presentation.
ment in their technical field. ty College. Among the most popular Workforce Innovation and Opportunity “The focus is to see what’s going on,
offerings are employment strategies, Act. The program’s focus is on skilled and ask, ‘What do we need at a particu-
Dual enrollment strong here psychology, language arts, composition, employment, offering assistance with lar location?’” she said.
Another CCCAUGUST
24 | SUNDAY, program that has been
6, 2017
and industrial technology. job search, career readiness assessment, That might be a workshop on Power-
READER’S CHOICE
successful is dual enrollment, where At Calamus-Wheatland High School computer literacy, and other services. Point or Excel. It might mean offering a
high school students can earn college in Wheatland, 55 students are enrolled Paula Arends is director of Workforce class in drug and alcohol training, or a
credit. in 82 college classes offered by Eastern Innovation, IowaWORKS of Eastern career-readiness assessment. n
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HOW WE WORK
Secret of our success?

‘DeWitt doesn’t know it’s small’
T
By Angela Rheingans
o talk about the progress

DeWitt has experienced, one
Essay by
Angela
might be tempted to start
with a history of where we’ve
been. Looking back at what
Rheingans
we were provides the standard for what
we base our successes on.
No matter how far back one looks,
DeWitt presents itself as a progressive,
vibrant and welcoming town, full of
engaged citizens willing to commit the Angela Rheingans
time or money to make it even better. is executive
director of DeWitt
You can see this in many of the photos
Chamber &
or newspaper clippings at the Central Development Co.
Community Historical Society or by mak-
ing a call to one of the many residents
Directions ’17
who have been here for a decade or nine. photo by
The DeWitt of yesterday sounds a lot like Trevis Mayfield
the DeWitt we are today.
The fact is, DeWitt has seen a lot of
progress. We’ve changed in big and small
ways. We’ve grown a whole bunch of
small businesses, welcomed a number
of new major employers, built a lot of
homes, and added so many cool things to
see and do. We’ve experienced our fair
share of obstacles, too: recessions, busi-
ness closings, and the lure of larger com-
munities on our youth. And through it all,
we seem to weather these storms as well
or better than other rural Iowa communi-
ties. People recognize there’s something
special here.
RHEINGANS | PAGE 26
ALL vehIcLeS neeD USeD PArtS!

Jeff started working at the
salvage yard when he was
18 years old and said that
he would own the business
someday. In 1995 he took
over ownership and is
celebrating 22 years in The Central DeWitt
business. The salvage yard Performing Arts Center
has been around for over 100 is a community based
years and still going strong.
non-profit auditorium
whose mission is to
enrich, educate and
JW
entertain by providing
Used exposure to quality
cultural experiences.
Auto The Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center is a
Parts Jeff and

Virginia
f
state-of-the-art venue for plays, musicals, concerts,
recitals, comedians, dancers, speakers, business
meetings, and other events in an auditorium-type setting.
719 Lake St., DeWitt, IA 52742 Walker
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DIRECTIONS 17
Life’s Stories
Begin at Home
Pictured: Lisa Duffy, Owner
Candies • Gifts • Home Furnishings

Flowers & Accessories • Memorial Gifts Directions ’17 photo by Trevis Mayfield
— COME RELAX AND ENJOY — Steve Archer and canine companion, 13-year-old Maddie, go for a walk over the
bridge in Westbrook Park on a fall afternoon.
Hometown Rheingans commute into and out of DeWitt to work.

Individuals and families are choosing
customer service Continued from page 25

to live in DeWitt because they want the
small-town lifestyle it provides. And more
is our speciality
Think bigger, be daring visitors have “found” us. They are choos-
DeWitt doesn’t know it’s small. We are ing to come shop, take in a show, run a
race, hike a trail, have dinner, or enjoy
at Meant to Be
constantly looking for ways to improve
ourselves. Neither the residents nor com- a glass a wine. Our residents love to do
munity leaders seem to be satisfied with these things, too – some of them used to
with Flowers. status quo. That’s wonderful, because in
an increasingly competitive world, every
be visitors!
community needs to seriously consider Be willing to change

how to continue to make themselves bet- So, we are left with the challenge to
ter, just to hold their ground. To actually really look at ourselves, find the areas
In 2014 current owners progress, we need to think bigger, be dar- that we can improve on, and then just do
it. And if we’re successful, we’ll attract
Kevin and Lisa Duffy ing, and invest in ourselves.
Completion is fierce for jobs, work- more business (big and small), grow our
bought the established force, residents, and visitors. We have population, attract more visitors, and add
more amenities for everyone to enjoy.
a huge advantage with our location.
business, Meant To Be, We’re literally at the crossroads of two We’ll also remain a great place to raise a
major highways, nearly centrally locat- family, educate our children, run a busi-
in downtown DeWitt. ed between the Quad Cities, Clinton, ness, and live a high-quality life.
Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids. The high- I have no doubt we will be successful
Since taking ownership, ways make it easy for DeWitt businesses at this because of the people we have in
to transport supplies and products to and our community. Their continued willing-
the Duffy’s have added from these communities, the surrounding ness to dream big, support the ideas, and
states, and even internationally. These ultimately be willing to change is the key
fresh floral arrangements roads also make it easy for employees to to DeWitt’s continued progress. n
and worked with a local
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Meant To Be With Flowers
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810 6th Ave.
DeWitt, IA
563-659-1429
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The Observer
First published in 1864, The Observer
continues to be YOUR community newspaper.
Here for you. Here with you.
The Observer team is here to serve 512 7TH STREET | DEWITT, IA
563-659-3121
our community with a collective
259 years of business experience.
The Observer staff, left to right: Tom Pantera, Larry Lough, Kate Howes,
Hedda Kiggins, Jackie Duwa, Nancy Mayfield, Trevis Mayfield, Robin Dohrmann,
Stephanie Birkinbine, Joanne Doherty, Melissa Lane and Ross Eberhart. www.dewittobserver.com
What
WHAT WE MAKE
More than
corn: Local
We Make
manufacturing
diverse
I
By Tom Pantera
News Editor
f you want to see how healthy De-

Witt’s manufacturing economy is,
take a look at Crossroads Business
Park. You’ll find one empty build-
ing, but the rest are humming as
they make products as different as farm
machinery parts and Silly String.
But if that part of DeWitt’s economy
is unusually healthy for a small town, the
roots of the success actually go back four
decades.
It was the 1980s, the nadir of the farm
crisis. Both local and network newscasts
were filled with footage of farm auctions,
bank closings, and empty small-town
storefronts. As more farms closed, the
ancillary businesses in town that served
them began dying off, sometimes slowly
and sometimes in bunches.
Eastern Iowa was no different from any
other agriculturally dependent county. But
DeWitt’s leadership started looking for
solutions earlier than that of many small,
rural towns.
Al Tubbs remembers. He was then CEO
of First Central State Bank in DeWitt, and
now is senior adviser in the office of the
president at Maquoketa State Bank.
Around 1982, the crisis started to be-
come acute. DeWitt’s main street – which
had a department store, women’s and
men’s clothing stores, and farm equip-
ment dealerships – took a big hit, Tubbs
recalled.
“DeWitt’s
downtown kind of
did a 180-degree
turn in the ’80s,”
Tubbs said.
“I think you have But the city’s
leadership, led by
a lot of legacy then-Mayor Leo
companies that Maynard, knew
have been able what they had
to grow over to do to replace
a rapidly fading
the years and employment base.
continue to “We had labor,
grow.” and we needed to
find some indus-
— Debi Durham trial opportuni-
Director Iowa
Department of Ecnomic ties,” Tubbs said.
Development Using buildings
vacated by busi-
nesses, including Directions ’17 photo by Trevis Mayfield
farm implement
Jim Rawlins of DeWitt is one of the new employees Latham Pools hired when it began operations this month. DeWitt’s newest
dealers, they started looking for industries
manufacturer produces pools in all shapes and sizes.
to fill them.
They apparently found those opportuni-
ties, as did the rest of Clinton County. parts for earth-moving equipment “But I think you have a lot of legacy There have been a few setbacks for
According to a labor shed study done Maschio Gaspardo, a wholesaler of companies that have been able to grow differing reasons, such as the Old Library
for the area of Clinton, Scott and Mus- agricultural equipment. over the years and continue to grow,” she events center, which is for sale or lease;
catine counties a couple of years ago, The newest addition to the industrial added. the closing of Whisk Away restaurant; the
production, construction, and material park is Latham Pool Products, which Industries here often are a link in a imminent closing of TC’s Point After; and
handling account for 31.6 percent of jobs makes swimming pools. strong supply chain, and as long as the the closing of Best Paw Forward, a high-
in the area, followed by professional, That’s in addition to other manufac- businesses they supply prosper, they will end pet-supply store. But other businesses
paraprofessional and technical jobs, 30.3 turing places near the business park and prosper, too, she said. have opened recently or are planning to.
percent; clerical/administrative support, scattered around the city, making goods Companies like ADM in Clinton have Antique and décor stores seem to do
12.3 percent; service, 9.8 percent; mana- as varied as tombstones and plastic, a strong international presence, but much particularly well here, said Papuga, who
gerial/administrative, 9.4 percent; sales, blow-molded goods, like the puffy plastic of Clinton County’s manufacturing isn’t opened his own business in April 2015.
6.1 percent; and agriculture, 0.5 percent. basketball hoops that adorn many a tod- aimed at export, Durham said. “That seems to be what the people are
In the four decades since DeWitt offi- dler’s playroom. Mashcio Gaspardo of DeWitt, which is looking for when they come into town,”
cials started looking for employment for Like many small towns, DeWitt has an based in Italy, is “investing here because Papuga said. “It’s the décor, the home-
displaced farm laborers and others hurt employment base that leans heavily on they want to be in the U.S. market,” she made stuff.”
by the crash of the agriculture economy, medicine and education. said. Home décor is available at stores like
Crossroads Business Park has grown to Sashollie Antiquity, Dudley’s, Meant To
include manufacturers such as: Potential for growth Décor destination Be, and Crossroads; another store with
Guardian Industries, a glass-maker Debi Durham, director of the Iowa De- DeWitt’s retail sector also has remained such items, Living Vintage, in January
Car-Freshner, which manufactures partment of Economic Development, said healthy. moved to DeWitt from Eldridge.
those ubiquitous tree-shaped air fresheners Clinton County had “really nice potential” “I think it’s growing in the right direc- If DeWitt lacks anything, it’s high-end
and that Silly String for further industrial growth. “When you tion,” said Ted Papuga of Emma Rae’s restaurants, Papuga said. While there are
ITW-Magnaflux, which makes non-de- look at that whole county area, you have Antiques and Uniques, one of downtown comfortable, familiar eateries such as
structive testing equipment and chemicals some nice legacy companies there.” DeWitt’s more successful businesses. Pap- Sunrise Café and Crossroads Café, DeWitt
ITWFluids North America, which It helps that DeWitt and Clinton County uga is president of Marketers of DeWitt,
lacks “something in-between really good
makes machine lubricants are centrally located to larger metropolitan which includes many of those downtown
Black Cat Wear Parts, which makes areas, she said. businesses. HOW WE WORK | PAGE 29
WHAT WE MAKE
What
ninth among the state’s 99 counties for primarily used to make ethanol, and plants
corn acreage. Soybeans account for about to make that fuel are close; probably 90
We Make
120,000 acres. percent of Clinton County’s corn goes to
In crop sales, grains, oilseeds, dry beans the ADM plant in Clinton, Campbell said.
and dry peas account for about $270 mil- The waste from that process goes to things
lion. Cattle and calf sales, mostly for beef such as animal feed and is diverted back
cattle, are worth $83 million, with hogs to local farmers, who often have livestock
Continued from page 28 and pigs a distant operations in addition to cropland.
second at $20 Because livestock goes through middle-
fine dining and Sunrise,” he said. million. men on the way to its eventual destination,
And while the Sixth Avenue retail cor- The survey it’s hard to say how many animals here
ridor has women’s clothing retailers such found bout 70,000 end up in the export market, Campbell
as Urbanity, Sashollie, and Soul Sister’s head of cattle and said.
Boutique, the city lacks a men’s clothing calves and about
store – with the sole exception of The- 57,000 head of Not a tech center
isen’s, which sells work clothes. hogs and pigs in While the DeWitt area has strong
About the only limiting factor appears the county. school tech programs and factories that
to be space. Downtown DeWitt has few When it comes use cutting-edge techniques, tech busi-
empty storefronts, and many of the empty to where agri- nesses aren’t a huge employer here – and
buildings are geared more toward office cultural products might not ever be.
work than retail sales. AL TUBBS end up after they Julian Stahl and his brother, Harrison,
While the city could use a bit more Former CEO leave this area, run DeWitt’s makerspace, the TEC Center,
variety in its retail picture, Papuga said, First Central the difference is which offers technical support and assis-
there are no signs of trouble. State Bank surprisingly stark. tance.
“I think it’s healthy, and it’s going to “We had labor, and Dennis Camp- “Clinton County is a good spot for
get healthier,” he said. “In just the time we needed to find bell, who farms in somebody who wants to learn to code and According to the latest figures, which are
I’ve been here, it’s gotten a lot healthier.” some industrial the Grand Mound do freelance stuff,” he said. “You can do at least two years old, from the DeWitt
opportunities.” area, said the vast high-tech work without living in a very Chamber and Development Co., here are
Ag still important majority of soy- expensive city.” the city’s 10 largest employers:
If agriculture is not the employer it beans go overseas, while most of the corn But tech companies themselves general-
once was in Clinton County, it’s still part is aimed at the domestic market. ly are located in large urban areas. That • Guardian – 275
of the fabric of the area. “Soybeans are heavily dependent on mean whatever tech jobs become avail- • Central DeWitt
According to the last USDA Census of exports,” Campbell said, “especially here able here will be in smaller, more individ- Schools – 245
Agriculture, which was done in 2012 – it’s in the Mississippi valley.” Perhaps 98 per- ualized operations. • Custom-Pak – 190
done every five years, and the next results cent of soybeans grown in Clinton County “Clinton County is pretty well-suited
will be out next year – Clinton County had
• Genesis Medical
eventually head to China. for the individual, freelance entrepreneur, Center – 185
1,244 farms on a total of 417,189 acres. Part of that is location; access to the for online business coders, that kind of
The total market value of farm prod- Mississippi River makes it easy to ship thing,” Stahl said. • Car-Freshner – 125
ucts sold was more than $381 million; 70 beans south, where they depart from Lou- But still, opportunities to do that free- • Ennis Business
percent of that was in crops, with the rest isiana ports. lance work could grow as more training Forms – 100
in livestock, primarily cattle. But it’s also a matter of the needs of becomes available. Stahl noted that the • Iowa Mutual
Corn and soybeans are still king and the market, he said. China is a protein-de- TEC Center is geared for just that kind of Insurance Co. – 90
queen of the fields here. ficient country, and soybeans are “a very training.
In terms of acreage, about 216,000
• City of DeWitt – 50
dense form of protein,” making them “A lot of people can teach themselves
acres in the county are planted in corn perfect for sale there as animal feed. to code as well,” he said, “and that’s a • ITW-Magnaflux – 40
for grain; that puts Clinton County at But corn grown in Clinton County is good start.” n • ITW-Fluids North America 40
TIMELINE
1996
The plant begins
Guardian Industries was founded in 1932 as and 800,000 sq ft and sits on 80 acres. The production
Guardian Glass Company. In 1970 Guardian construction took 1 year to complete from
started producing flat glass and opened its first groundbreaking to heat up. On average, 900
production line in Carleton, Michigan. truckloads of glass are shipped from our facility 1998
Guardian Industries has 28 float plants located each month. Mirror Line added
around the world (25 countries, on 5 continents) Guardian is a world leader in glass, automotive
and employs over 18,000 worldwide. and building products. Guardian’s global
Guardian Dewitt was built in 1996 and employs
over 300 people. The building is ½ mile long
headquarters is based in Auburn Hills, MI, and is
a wholly owned subsidiary of Koch industries.
2008
Advanced technology
vacuum coater installed
Pictured, front row, left to right: Dan Tompkins, Erik Taylor, Blake Buttars,
2011
and Ginger Pingel. Back row, left to right: Jeff Wellman, Jeff Ludrof,
Tony Schadel, Jim Harden, Adam Gravert
DeWitt is the first plant
in the US to produce
triple silver coating
2016
New company record
for longest running
furnace campaign:
4.1 million tons
2017
Furnace repair
complete
WHAT WE MAKE
Essay by
Greg
Gannon
Greg Gannon,
president and
CEO of DeWitt
Bank and Trust
Co., grew up on
a farm west of
Welton, traveled
the country as
an examiner for
the Farm Credit
Administration,
and operates a
small farm today.
Directions ’17
photo by
Brooke Taylor
Ag, vital to local economy, faces challenges ahead
T
By Greg Gannon undergone tremendous change in recent Applied science and advances in technol- per acre today.
decades, leaving me to wonder what the ogy – such as seed and livestock genetics, Greater production has led to new
here should be no argument future holds for this industry that is so chemicals used to manage pests, conser- farming economics. In 2002 the United
that the business of farming important to our local economy and soci- vation and soil management practices, and States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
is important to our commu- ety. global positioning technologies – have estimated the total cost of production for
nity. Agriculture is estimated During my banking career, I have contributed to improved productivity. Just farms in Clinton County to be $119 mil-
to create nearly 9,000 jobs observed dramatic increases in farm one example of this productivity boost is lion. By 2012 that number had increased to
in Clinton County, or 30 percent of total productivity, rising costs of production the national average corn yield, which has $305 million. Meanwhile, the USDA says
county employment, generating $524 the market value of all farm production in
and capital investment, and shifts in the increased from around 150 bushels per
million in wages. Yet, the industry has ages and experiences of area farmers. acre 10 years ago to about 170 bushels GANNON | PAGE 33
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When
WHEN WE PLAY
Parks system
a city gem,
We Play
with precious
future
D
By Kate Howes
Staff Writer
eWitt is a small community,

but that’s hardly reflected by
the number of recreational
activities and facilities it
offers.
There truly is something for just about
everyone.
And those activities and facilities aren’t
limited to just humans, either.
It’s the responsibility of the DeWitt
Parks and Recreation Department to pro-
vide activities for people of all ages and
abilities to enjoy.
And it’s a responsibility Parks and
Recreation Director Kevin Lake takes
seriously, one he believes has always been
a top priority for city officials, past direc-
tors, and commu-
nity members in
general.
“We have fa-
cilities and things
to do for all kinds
of people,” Lake
“We have said. “We want
facilities and to benefit the
things to do lives of people
for all kinds of who live and visit
here.”
people. We want Offering myr-
to benefit the iad recreational
lives of people programs, and
who live and creating partner-
ships with local
visit here.” organizations to
— Kevin Lake further those pro-
grams, is essential
to the well-being
of a community
and its residents, he noted.
“Active people are happy people,” Lake
said, “and happy people are active people.
It doesn’t mean you have to run a mara-
thon. Any kind of movement is good for a
person, and we have all kinds of different
things for people to try and enjoy.”
What makes the number of programs
notable is that the department is run – with
the help of two support-staff members –
by only one, full-time professional.
Lake said regardless of how many
programs the department offers, they are
only as good as the volunteers who make
them possible.
“We have super people willing to spend
the time to lend their skills and expertise,”
Lake said. “We’re extremely fortunate.
Without these people, our programs don’t
work.”
The list of recreational programs De-
Witt offers includes youth soccer, baseball
and softball, flag football, Mother-Son
Date Night, Daddy-Daughter Date Night,
golf, basketball, Zumba, tumbling, disc Directions ’17 photo by Trevis Mayfield
WHEN WE PLAY | PAGE 34 City Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Lake stands in DeWitt’s Fitness Center.
Gannon
farm asset values has affected farmer
demographics. Farmers are getting
older and spending increasing amounts
7 percent.
Agriculture will continue to be a very
important sector for our local economy.
These producers are using special
financing programs available through
banks, supplementing farm income with
of time working off the farm, and With about 400,000 acres of farmland employment that we are so fortunate to
the county increased from $138 million to young people are not entering the occu- in Clinton County, how can it not be? have available in our area, and/or receiv-
$381 during that same period. pation. The USDA reports that from Less certain to me, however, is who will ing assistance from established farming
Not surprisingly, the value of farm 2002 to 2012, the number of Clinton be farming those acres. The very large family members.
assets has risen along with productiv- County farm operators whose primary capital investment required in farming, I recently encountered very encour-
ity. The USDA estimates the value of occupation is other than farming has coupled with a relatively low and unpre- aging evidence of the future of agricul-
Clinton County farmland and buildings increased by 14 percent, with more than dictable return on that investment, is a ture. During soybean harvest I had a
increased from $864 million in 2002 to one third of farm operators working difficult barrier to overcome for many first-grader riding in the tractor with me.
nearly $3 billion by 2012. The value of off the farm 200 or more days per year. young, aspiring producers. I was asking Carson about school and his
machinery is estimated to have increased Farmers are also aging. In Iowa the Despite those barriers, I am optimistic friends. As he recited his list of friends,
from $119 million to $353 million percentage of principal farm operators about the future of agriculture, as I have he paused when he got to Cole, and said
during the same period. over the age of 55 has increased from the privilege to witness many deter- when they grow up they are going to
Rising production costs and greater 50 percent to 65 percent. Meanwhile, mined, creative, and enthusiastic young farm together. The future of agriculture
capital investment due to increasing those under age 35 has remained about people successfully enter the business. in Clinton County is bright! n
WHEN WE PLAY
When
Center as a gem in and of itself for area Years later, because the acronym HART Lots of rec options
residents age 6 months to senior citizens. proved confusing to some people, the Another facility that Lake feels fortu-
nate to have is the aquatic center.
We Play
From water exercise to strength and city changed the name to better reflect its
flexibility classes – and everything in be- purpose – the DeWitt Fitness Center. Built in 1999, the $2.6 million facility
tween – there are opportunities for people When it opened, the HART Center had attracts people from out-of-town, and is
of all ages and 175 members. Now, Lake said member- the only one in the area with a climbing
abilities to get fit. ship hovers around 1,000. wall.
The HART In addition to the track, swimming pool, It has zero-depth entry, slides, a conces-
Continued from page 33 (Health and hot tub, and racquetball courts, the city- sion stand, and arrangements can be made
Rehabilitation owned, 17,000-square foot facility also for private pool parties.
golf, pickle ball, drop-in adult volleyball, Training) Center, includes amenities such as a sauna, cardio The community center, which is also
youth tennis, Tae Kwon Do, swimming as it was origi- equipment, free- and machine-weight managed by the parks and recreation de-
lessons, parent-tot swimming, Missoula “Access to the
nally called, was rooms, numerous group exercise class- partment, provides a local option for peo-
Children’s Theatre, and pitch, hit and run, outdoors serves established by the es, Tae Kwon Do, tumbling, swimming ple looking to host a meeting or reception.
to name a few. as a release from late Dr. Wallace programs, personal training, massage care, Another, more recently built facility
the pressures of Ash in May 1983. and child care, to name a few. that has proved to be an asset to the com-
Community partners The center Lake said he hopes the future will munity is the band shell in Lincoln Park.
In an effort to enhance its activities, and modern living.
was intended as mean even bigger and better things for the “It’s kind of become a piece of Amer-
so it can offer several camps and clinics Our educational a rehabilitation fitness center. icana,” Lake said. “It’s a gathering space
throughout the year, the department con- programs facility for people He and administrators of the Central for people. There are all kinds of commu-
nects with various people and businesses. recovering from DeWitt Community School District, have nity events and activities it has been used
The amount of support the department emphasize
for, and it’s appealing to the eye. It’s nice
receives from the community is over- getting outdoors heart and other
physical ailments.
been exploring the idea of building a new
fitness facility. to look at, and has really been an essential
whelming, Lake noted. and using our But it also ac- The current fitness center is land- addition to the park.”
“We always get great responses from
people we ask to partner with us,” he said.
resources cepted members locked, with little to no room to expand. A The band shell was a volunteer-driven
responsibly.” who simply want- new building, which would be on Central project spearheaded by event-organizer
“It helps to enhance the experience, what- ed to improve and DeWitt’s campus, would offer more space Jerry Jackson of DeWitt. Workers broke
ever it may be.” maintain their for a larger track, house more classes and ground on the band shell in May 2015,
Organizations the department has part- — Walt Wickham health – some- equipment, and give Central DeWitt staff and it opened in the summer of 2016.
nered with include the DeWitt Chamber executive director, CCC thing its founder and students direct access to the facility. Thanks to the help of volunteers and local
and Development Co., various coaches valued tremen- While the idea has exciting possibili- businesses donating labor and materials, it
from Central DeWitt Community Schools, dously. ties, Lake said they are still very much in cost the city virtually nothing.
QC Friends of Off Road Cycling, the The facility the early stages of discussion. The shell is handicapped-accessible, 30
DeWitt Police Department, American offered exercise and cardio equipment, an “Redeveloping [the fitness center] and feet deep, 20-feet across the back, and has
Red Cross, DeWitt Noon and Nite Lions indoor track, racquetball courts, a swim- making a new facility would open up a 32-foot stage. A 24-foot concrete area in
Clubs, Car Freshner Corp., Springbrook ming pool, hot tub, and group exercise so many possibilities for us and for the front is the dance floor.
Country Club, First Central State Bank, classes. school district,” he explained. “We’ve The structure has been used to show
Custom Pak, Hall of Fame Pizza and been listening to the needs of the commu- movies in the park as well as musical
Wings, and the Operahouse Theatre. Plans for fitness center nity, and continue to add more programs performances, including Tunes in Town,
Lake said that list goes on. Because of financial difficulties in the and try to expand on what we have. which is a summer concert series Jackson
“We are definitely ahead of the curve later 1980s, the HART Center was bought “The number of kids we have utilizing has organized the past three years.
for a community of our size,” Lake said of by Dr. Richard Kreiter, who operated his the fitness center continues to rise. Sports “I think it’s made the park even more
recreational facilities and activities. “We medical practice out of the building. and recreation are very important around multigenerational,” Lake noted. “You see
have opportunities for recreation, fitness Kreiter later offered to sell the facility here. We want to provide the best possible kids and their families playing at the park,
… we offer more than most.” to the city, and in November 1991, voters place for that.”
Lake described the DeWitt Fitness approved the necessary bond issue. WHEN WE PLAY | PAGE 35
ESTAbLIShED In DEWITT, IOWA In 1972

*3 Generations of
owning & operating
Thiel Motor Sales Inc.
*DeWitt’s oldest Auto Dealership
*Clinton County’s oldest
Auto Dealership
*Eastern Iowa’s Largest selection
of Pre-Owned trucks
*Large selection of antique
and collector vehicles
*Full service department with
Certified Techs and
Free Loaner Vehicles
Thiel MoTor SaleS inc.

The area’s Leader in Truck saLes and service
www.thielmotors.com 563-659-9309 • 800-605-2252
911 Westwood Dr. • DeWitt, IA 52742 f
WHEN WE PLAY
When
We Play
but now you also have grandparents and
moms and dads eating and listening to
music, too.”
Parks throughout city

When it comes to parks, over the years
the city has endeavored to ensure residents
in all areas of town don’t have far to go to
find one.
In turn, residents have contributed their
time and money to help develop the parks
and – in some cases, purchase them – so
they may be enjoyed for generations.
There is Ashindel Park, at Eighth Av-
enue and 14th Street on the town’s north
end, which was named for Dr. Wallace
Ash and Dr. George Shindel. It includes
green space with trees, benches, a basket-
ball court, volleyball area, and a walking
trail.
The “pool park” is next to Ashindel
Park, at 11th Avenue and 15th Street. It’s Directions ’17 photo by Trevis Mayfield
directly north of the aquatic center, and New to town, Nathan Uttech, almost 2, and his mom, Betsy, have some fun at Lincoln Park in downtown DeWitt. Uttech’s
has two ball diamonds and a walking path. husband, Ryan, is the new Central DeWitt High School choir director starting this year.
The DeWitt Skate Park, situated just
east of the fitness center on 14th Street, The city bought Little Trees Park, After the family sold it to the city, Car built, thanks to fundraising on the part of
was a project done entirely by a mix of located at Eighth Avenue and First Street Freshner Corp. contributed $80,000 to put Jessie Smith and her children, Logan and
parent and child volunteers. on the south side of town, in 2003 after the project over the top. So, the park was Cassidy.
Namely, Bobbi Kelley of DeWitt, her residents raised more than $181,000 with renamed “Little Trees Park,” in honor of The family, who lives across the street
son, Luke, and his friends. their “Save Irwin Field” campaign. the tree-shaped air fresheners for which from the park, launched a “Hoops at Little
It took almost four years of fundraising The three-acre park had previously the company is famous. Trees Park” campaign and raised enough
and careful planning. But in November been owned by the Irwin Family and had Over the past few years, restrooms have funds to give kids on the city’s south end
2006, they achieved their goal of building been known as Irwin Field. Since the been built, parking improvements have another place to shoot baskets.
a park where kids could enjoy skateboard- mid-1940s, the family allowed the city to been made, playground equipment has Paarmann Park is on the east side of
ing – as opposed to their parents’ drive- use the property for baseball, softball, and been added, and trees have been planted. DeWitt, in the 100 block of East Fourth
ways or on sidewalks downtown. soccer games. A full-sized basketball court was also
WHEN WE PLAY | PAGE 36
MOST COMPREHENSIVE LINE OF TARPING

SYSTEMS IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY
• SHURCO Tarp Systems
• Diesel Repairs
• Truck & Trailer Repairs
• Hauling
WINTER IS Pictured:
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COMING...
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WHEN WE PLAY
When
The conservation department offers an
Parks and recreation areas in Clinton County include: up-close-and-personal look of the Missis-
We Play
Eden Valley Refuge, 1415 50th Ave., Killdeer Recreation Area, 2471 330th sippi with its Blue Heron eco-cruises.
Baldwin Ave., DeWitt The 26-passenger pontoon boat, driven
Rock Creek Marina and Campground, Lost Nation Public Hunting Area, 115th by a department naturalist, takes residents
3942 291st St., Camanche St. and 130th Ave., Lost Nation through the backwaters, sloughs, and main
Soaring Eagle Nature Center, 3923 N Malone Park, 2524 330th Ave., DeWitt channel.
Third St., Clinton Manikowski Prairie Wildlife Area, 370th
Ben Martinsen Wildlife Area, 2975 U.S. Ave., Goose Lake
Visitors also can utilize canoes, kayaks,
Continued from page 34 67, Camanche McAndrews Wildlife Area, 370th Ave., and paddleboards, and rent motor boats to
Brookfield Recreational Trail, 210th Goose Lake explore the river on their own.
Street. It was named for Lois M. Paar- Walt Wickham, executive director of
Ave., Delmar McCausland Boat Ramp, 291st St.,
mann, who left the parks and recreation Bulger’s Hollow Recreation Area, 4686 McCausland CCC, and Mark Roberts, the conservation
department money to buy and develop 170th St., Bulger’s Hollow Road, Clinton Wheatland Wildlife Area, U.S. 30, Wheat- education coordinator, say their overall
land for a park. It has a shelter, picnic Camp Miss-Elk-Ton, 1117 445th Ave., land mission is to engage and educate.
tables, playground equipment, and a bas- Clinton Sherman Park, 2776 160th Ave., Calamus “Our purpose is to make available to
ketball court. Duke Prairie, 2150 275th St., Grand Syracuse Boat Ramp, 235th St., Cala-
the public the parks, preserves, forests,
Lincoln Park is in the heart of down- Mound mus
wildlife, and conservation areas,” they
town DeWitt, and is also called “Water Folletts Park, 2912 U.S. 67, Camanche Walnut Grove Park, 1847 188th Ave.,
Goose Lake Wildlife Area, 1457 350th Wheatland. said, “as well as encouraging the wise use
Tower Park” as it is home the town’s
Ave., Charlotte of natural resources to help citizens main-
water tower. It is home to the DeWitt
tain a healthy balance between the natural
Chamber and Economic Development
and human-made environments.”
Co., otherwise known as the hausbarn, the
It has five picnic shelters, four base- “The dog park was created by a group Wickham said exposure to the great
community center, and the band shell.
ball/softball diamonds, three playground of people who said, ‘Let’s do this,’” Lake outdoors and environmental education –
It has a picnic shelter, picnic tables, a
equipment areas, an 18-hole disc golf said. “The disc golf course was developed for everyone from toddlers to senior citi-
gazebo, and restrooms.
There is also playground equipment, course, a Boy Scout campsite, a moun- by an individual who had an interest in it, zens – is what CCC hopes to accomplish.
which was installed in 2005. tain bike trail, two public restroom areas, and knew others did, too. They all did a Young people have less time in nature
Members of the DeWitt Junior Wom- concession stand, and a dog park. terrific job of putting these areas together, as time goes on, he noted. Giving them ed-
en’s Club raised money to renovate the There is also a large, wooded area, and and they get used. ucational, outdoor adventures is paramount
park and purchase new, handicapped-ac- Silver Creek runs through the park. “It just goes to show how much we to creating the next generation of citizens
cessible equipment. It also includes a 10-foot-wide have in this community because of the who think the environment is important.
The group even organized a communi- multi-purpose trail, better known as the people who live here; how much we “Access to the outdoors serves as a
ty build to assemble the new pieces, and Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail. wouldn’t have if not for residents here. release from the pressures of modern liv-
purchased new trash receptacles. The trail can be used for walking, jog- They take pride in and ownership of their ing,” he said. “Our educational programs
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony to ging, running, and biking. Its expansion city parks. We’re so fortunate that way.” emphasize getting outdoors and using our
dedicate the new playground in Dec. 2005, and development continues, funded by the resources responsibly.”
mayor Don Thiltgen expressed his pride in annual Paul Skeffington Memorial Race County parks developed The Clinton County Board of Super-
his community and its civic generosity. held in July. Area residents aren’t far from other visors allocates tax dollars to help fund
“All the neat things happening in Lake said the plan is to eventually recreational opportunities in the county. CCC programs. The public supports the
DeWitt,” he said, “it’s overwhelming. provide access to the trail to as many seg- Parks in Clinton County offer activities programs as well, through user fees and
And it’s all been done by volunteers.” ments of the community as possible. including camping, cabin rentals, boating, donations.
Westbrook also includes a soccer field fishing, picnicking, hiking, hunting, and Wickham said they hope to continue to
Westbrook turns 50 in 2018 complex. The 6.3 acres of land, located on simply enjoying nature. make the outdoors accessible to all.
Westbrook Park is, as its name sug- the park’s north end, was donated by Ally Even the majestic Mississippi River. This will involve further developing
gests, situated on the west end of town on Rittmer of DeWitt in 1999. Clinton County Conservation manages county parks with ADA-accessible cabins,
11th Street. It is the town’s largest park – So many aspects of the park were made 2,030 acres of parks, wildlife areas, pre- creating updated playgrounds, and provid-
100 acres – and was bought in 1968. possible, thanks to residents’ generosity. serves, and marina. ing public programming. n
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Machinery joints and pivots are prone to wear and tear from
working in tough environments like construction, mining and
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A global company in DeWitt

Expander has been part of the Nord-Lock Group since 2016
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from DeWitt IA. The original facility remains in Åtvidaberg,
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Serving DeWitt & Surrounding

Communities for Over 45 Years.
Family Owned and Operated, Since 1958
Founded in Iowa by the Tinsman brothers, Hovey and Scott,
Liqui Grow developed a manufacturing process for clear liquid
fertilizer analysis for the agricultural market in eastern Iowa and
northwestern Illinois. Since then, we have grown to include three
production plants, sixteen retail locations, and a network of dealers
that serve our customers in the Midwest.
Liqui Grow , DeWitt location 1972
We are wholly committed to the 4 R’s and provide farmers with

the right fertilizer, at the right rate, in the right place, at the
right time.
Our core values have driven our business for six decades and
two generations.
As agriculture continues to rapidly change, we strive to provide

innovative crop solutions, quality nutrient products, knowledgeable
staff, and dependable service to satisfy our growers’ needs.
As a neighbor in the community, Liqui Grow would like to take

this opportunity to congratulate the city of DeWitt on its progress
and to also say Thank You for your continued support.
Liqui Grow , DeWitt location 2017
2722 218th Street DeW itt, IA 52742 | (563) 659-8171

WHEN WE PLAY
Growth essential to ensure city’s success

A
By Steve Lindner
ny discussion about local

growth and development
Essay by
Steve
should start with the city’s mis-
sion statement:
The City of DeWitt’s mission is to
effectively provide high-quality
essential public services and to pro-
vide an environment which fosters
Lindner
community, civic, and economic
growth. Steve Lindner is
And the city’s vision statement, in part, administrator for
says this. the city of DeWitt.
Our work is essential in that it
Directions ’17
protects a specific lifestyle that is photo by
quickly diminishing. Only 5% of the Trevis Mayfield
U.S. population lives in rural com-
munities or rural areas with popu-
lations of less than 10,000. What we
do is extremely important – we are
protecting a rare and special way
of life.
Thus it is extremely important that
we do it well. And not only do we
need to provide quality work now,
but we need to act in a way that
permits the community to remain
healthy in the future.
To carry out the city’s mission, the
city of DeWitt must target moderate
growth. Because of the way Iowa cities ties, first leading to decreased values and, discussion to set targets for policy, capital growth includes working with the DeWitt
are financed, primarily through property
finally, to falling revenues. projects, and other activities. Those plan- Chamber & Development Co. to create
taxes, there must be continued growth in
Thus, the city of DeWitt has developed ning activities help set specific outcomes, jobs in existing businesses and industry
taxable values for small cities to remain
an overarching plan for moderate growth. funding priorities, and funding plans for and to attract new business and industry.
vital. Cities without growth begin a
To effectuate that, the City Council with city staff. The city provides certain tax increment
downward spiral of revenues. It does not
staff takes part in an annual strategic Although the exact targets change year incentives to large industries, but success
take long to have no to little growth turn
into a lack of demand for existing proper- planning session and capital improvement to year, the general strategy to create LINDNER | PAGE 39
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WHEN WE PLAY
Lindner
tion; those can be in residential or com-
mercial areas.
In the past 15 years, the city has
rebuilt more than 50 blocks of street with
in this area can be greatly attributed to infrastructure. Even with that aggressive
creating a positive atmosphere for busi- investment in rebuilding, the City Council
nesses. is working to get to a financial situation
Important elements for business and where it no longer borrows money for
industry include having a stable mayor infrastructure projects, but pays with
and council that will honor commit- funds on hand each year for the mil-
ments and agreements, having good and lion-dollar projects. The council is still
well-maintained infrastructure, having a five or six years from meeting that goal.
strong and reliable workforce, and having In addition to rebuilding streets, the coun-
access to major transportation routes. In cil looks for opportunities to partner with
this area, the cooperation and leadership private investors to build new streets,
of the DCDC is invaluable. such as parts of 17th Street and 18th
Avenue in the Silver Creek area.
Housing growth incentives
Another important tenet is housing Quality of life vital
growth and maintenance. Homes make To succeed in bringing employers and
up a significant part of the city’s value, employees to the community, the city
and the growth and diversity of the hous- must provide a high quality of life. This
ing market can also have a major impact requires investment in items such as trails,
on the labor force for local business and parks, recreation programs, the library,
industry. The city has been active in pro- arts, and culture. In the competitive world
moting a growing and diverse housing of economic development, cities must
market. compete for employers and employees. To
The way cities are involved in the compete, city must provide those ameni-
housing market has changed over time. ties for residents.
Years ago, cities would build all needed The city is fortunate to have other
infrastructure (water, sewer, roads), and strong entities in the community, such
developers would build houses. Now as Genesis Hospital, Central DeWitt
there are a number of models. The city of Community School District, and many
DeWitt generally takes a safe approach by Rendering by FEH Design other service providers.
incentivizing housing construction with The most recent trail addition will be
This was one of several early concepts for DeWitt library expansion developed by FEH
TIF rebate agreements, whereby devel- finished this fall. Planning for an expan-
Design, an architectural firm from Dubuque. Architects used input from public meetings
opers install infrastructure, and the city sion to the Frances Banta Waggoner
to make various proposals for expansion. No final design has been approved.
rebates to the developer a certain portion Public Library is in full swing, and the
of new taxes paid (“the increment”) over to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes each year is reconstruction of infrastruc- City Council and Library Board will soon
10 years. for low- and moderate-income residents. ture. The City Council’s capital improve- make plans to present the financing of
In recent years, the city has used more Those project have helped to stabilize ment plan includes spending $1 million that project to the public. The city and
aggressive incentives for developers to homes and whole neighborhoods, which Central DeWitt Schools, looking further
build homes in an under-represented mar- almost every year for the next seven years
also protects the value of the rehabbed to the future, are starting to make plans
ket. The city also has been involved in to rebuild streets and related utilities for a joint-project community Fitness
homes and surrounding properties.
the rehabilitation of existing homes. The (sewer, water, storm water, sidewalk). Center on the school’s campus to take
city has leveraged more than $4 million Infrastructure investments Typically, the council chooses to tackle the place of the existing DeWitt Fitness
of outside (usually state or federal) money One of the city’s largest expenditures the streets and utilities in poorest condi- Center. n
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Progress at The Crossroads: Directions

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Progress at the Crossroads

The Garden Café at

Our Brief History... NEW in

Martha’s Cafe, THE CROSSROADS Inspired Living & Garden Cafe,

6th Avenue & 10th Street • Downtown DeWitt 563.659.8897 crossroadsofdewitt.com

efore any European set foot

Progress at the Crossroads STORY INDEX

Abstract & Title Guaranty Company

We provide property information for

ABSTRACT & TITLE For all your transportation needs!

Owner Joe Carber

Peoples Company - DeWitt | 563.659.8185 JOHN CHUCK

700 6th Avenue | DeWitt, Iowa 52742 563-349-0766 563-343-0723

IF IT HAS TO DO WITH TRUCKING...WE HANDLE IT!

Owner, Jay Hawthorne

• Founded in 1878 by a group of local farmers to provide

Historical museum tracks change in life of community

n 1977, Marvin Doescher, a local

SEPTEMBER MARCH OCTOBER JULY MARCH OCTOBER

Right ‘attitude’ needed DeWitt Profile

to help area succeed

We serve the City of DeWitt,

Check out our Facebook

Celebrating you are invited

t’s no secret Bill Homrighausen

412 1st Street, DeWitt, IA 52742 Ph: 563-659-1100

Serving the Area for 70 Years As A LocAL

Continuing to expand Internet access

705 clinton st, Grand mound, iA 52751 www.gmtel.net (563) 847-3000

2017: Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt

It’s better when it’s local.

1118 11th Street | DeWitt, IA | www.genesishealth.com/DeWitt

1941 PROUDLY SERVING

RAYMOND F. TRAVIS MAX

Small towns lucky to have DeWitt as ‘hub’

EDUCATION has progressed from the

AGRICULTURE has been so prom-

We are tuned in to the needs of our customers and your

We pride ourselves on our products, and our level of service

411 S. 6th Ave • DeWitt, IA (563) 659-3148

be a part of areas. Our teachers no longer work in iso-

the DeWitt working in the same direction to provide

for the past Dan

Looking beyond high school

AIR CONTROL INC

Thanks to you we have been around for

Growing to meet your

Opened Spring of 2003 -

2006 - 7 more apartments

2008 - Recognized as a 5-Star Rated Nursing Home, the highest

2015 - Bronze National Quality Award winner

2016 - Expansion of Wheatland Manor

2017 - Fourth consecutive year of

f you work in DeWitt, chances are

Discover energy savings at Window World

2406 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport

Secret of our success?

o talk about the progress

ALL vehIcLeS neeD USeD PArtS!

Parts Jeff and

Free estimates (563) 659-5127

Pictured: Lisa Duffy, Owner