Newsletter

Always think safety !!

By Chief Mike DeBruin

In recent weeks, the West Sioux Elementary School and the Hawarden Police Department have been made aware of two separate incidents of children nearly being struck by cars while the children are leaving the school. This has caused enough concern for both the police department and the school to take corrective action and offer some suggestions for parents who are picking up their children and for passing motorists in the area after school.

The first issue we would like to address is parents picking up their children. There are No Parking signs posted on the playground side of the school, both on Avenue I and on 13th Street. We have been experiencing a large number of parents who pick their children up parking on Avenue I. This alone causes a problem of congestion on this street. What compounds the problem is when parents park on the west side of the street which is posted "No Parking". Children wishing to cross the street to go to their cars have to cross in between illegally parked vehicles. Small children cannot be seen by passing motorists until they step out into the street possibly into the path of a moving vehicle. The police department is asking people to obey the No Parking signs. Failure to do this could result in a citation being issued to the violator. We would also remind motorists of that although the speed limit in a school zone is 25 miles per hour, we would ask you to take special precautions in the school area and go at an even slower speed. Ice and snow build-up on the streets makes travel hazardous and sudden stops impossible.

The next issue we would like to address is having the parents of the elementary kids sit down with their children and talk to them about crossing the street safely. We would encourage all students to use the crosswalks that are provided and cross only on street corners with stop signs. This may cause a little extra walking for the kids but if we can make them safer it will be well worth it.

We would advise parents to either pick up their kids in the south parking lot, or if they are parked on the street, to get out of their vehicle and walk their children across the street. We are hoping to avoid the tragedy of having a child struck while leaving school. We believe that with the parent's cooperation in exercising more caution, we will be able to accomplish this. If there are any concerns that need to be expressed please feel free to contact Mr. Kitchenmaster at the Elementary School or Chief Mike DeBruin at the Hawarden Police Department.

Keep the ice off of your meters

By Public Works Dept.

The electric, water and gas departments would like to ask for your assistance in keeping the ice and snow off of your meters. An accumulation of snow and ice could interrupt the supply of natural gas to your home and interfere with good air circulation around the gas meter and vent on the gas regulator. If this is interfered with, you will not be getting any gas to your home.

We ask that you use a broom to clear the snow. Please do not use a shovel to remove the ice and snow buildup or try to melt or chip the ice. That could damage or break your meter.

Also, remove the icicles from the roof or gutters that hang over your meter. The water dripping on the meter can freeze and cover the meter. If your meter does become encased with ice, please call the Public Works Department at 561-2565 and they can assist you in solving this problem.

First Responders Course Reminder

The City of Hawarden is offering a First Responders class. Open to all members of the public, 17 years or older. The course will be held on Monday & Thursday nights February 1st until March 29 from 5:30 - 9:00p. The tuition is $ 189.00. If you choose to join the Hawarden Ambulance, volunteer for as little as 12 hours a month and are accepted the city will pay the tuition. This is a great opportunity to learn advanced first aid and to help keep the members of your family and community safe. Questions?? Call Brad at 551-4406 or you can pre-register at NCC Continuing Education (1-800-352-4907) Course #212015. We need at least 12 people to sign up for before we can offer it.

Hawarden Firemen's Dance

The Hawarden Fire Department have announced that their Annual Firemen's Dance will be February 3rd. The dance will take place in Hat City beginning at 9:00p. There will be a cash bar. All proceeds go to help the fire department buy new equipment, clothing, and training. If you have any questions, please call Sonny or Jon at 551-1643, Brad at 551-4406, or any fireman.

City Streets Snow Removal Ordinance Reminder

The Hawarden Police Department would like to remind all residents that no parking will be allowed on the city streets during any snowfall. Also, parking is prohibited on the streets up to 12 hours after the snow has stopped so that the City crews can clean up the streets without any distractions. Violations of this ordinance will result in a fine and/or the vehicle being towed