City of Graettinger - Small Town, Big Heart

Attention ! Attention! As we approach the Labor Day weekend, we kindly remind everyone to avoid placing grass trimmings in the street or mowing clippings onto the roadway. These practices can create dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, clippings washed into storm drains can contribute to clogging and pollution. For the safety and enjoyment of all during this busy time of year, please ensure grass clippings are properly disposed of in your yard waste containers. Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this important matter.

A wonderful group of people ....

Reminder for all those busy Mammas and Pappas- Dont forget school starts Aug 25 .. get those haircuts booked soon! Business Spotlight: Rustic Roots Salon. Rustic Roots Salon on main street offers a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere where clients can enjoy various beauty services. Specializing in precise haircuts, vibrant coloring, and stylish hairdos, the salon is dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty and ensuring every client leaves feeling refreshed and confident. Rustic Roots is a beloved spot in the community for both regulars and newcomers alike. Come on down and see Ashley for all your hair care needs - and like her Facebook for specials

Opportunity to Serve Your Community!
Graettinger friends and neighbors—are you looking for a chance to give back to our wonderful city? We have an opening on our Board of Adjustments and Planning & Zoning Commission, and we’re looking for dedicated community members to fill this important role!
If you live within city limits and have an interest in shaping Graettinger’s future, we encourage you to submit a letter of interest.
What does the Board of Adjustments do?
• Hear appeals of decisions made by the zoning administrator
• Grant or deny special exceptions ("special uses" or "conditional uses")
• Grant or deny variances
What does the Planning and Zoning Commission do?
• Investigate and analyze complaints and inquiries related to land development
• Work closely with the Board of Adjustments and other City departments on development processes
• Research land use issues and recommend solutions
• Help manage projects through to completion
• Recommend improvements to enhance public service
If you’re interested and meet the residency requirement, please write a brief letter of interest and submit it to Kara at City Hall. This is a wonderful way to help shape the future of Graettinger and serve your fellow community members!
Feel free to share this post or tag someone who would be a great fit!

National Pickleball Day is on August 8! Fun Facts: Do you know that it has been 57 years since Pickleball was invented? The game combines traditional lawn tennis, ping-pong, a.k.a. table tennis, and badminton. The game is played with ping-pong rackets on a badminton court with a tennis net. Similar to tennis, but is less challenging, it’s suitable for people of all ages.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone from Ruthven Care Center and Parc Hall for joining us at the Graettinger Pool! We loved having you visit and hope you enjoyed your time splashing, swimming, and making memories with us. Your presence brought so much joy to our pool, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

Graettinger Tree Dump Open for Storm Clean-Up
Important Notice for Residents....
Attention Graettinger residents: Following the recent wind storm, the city tree dump will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for tree branch disposal. Please help keep the area accessible by pushing all branches to the front of the pile so everyone can easily use the space. Cleaning up yard waste is important to “help maintain the safety, beauty, and health of our community—removing debris prevents hazards and supports a vibrant neighborhood for all.” Thank you for your cooperation!

2025 is an election year! . The first day to file paperwork is August 25, 2025, and the last day to file is Sept 18, 2025, at 5 pm. Copies of nomination papers are available at the city clerk’s office, county auditor’s office, or on the Secretary of State’s website: http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/CityElections. The City of Graettinger will have four council seats and the mayor’s position on the ballot.

Please consider donating to our pool and kids!!!

Election Time is right around the corner ... The mayor's position on the ballot is currently held by Brandon Armstrong. The mayor position has a two (2) year term, and the person elected will begin service January 1, 2026. Bruce Masters and Andrew Dyhrkopp currently hold the Council seats that will be on the ballot. The Council seats have a four (4) year term. The two (2) additional Council seats that will also be on the ballot due to appointment are Barbara Hoffman and Travis Anderson. The persons elected will begin service January 1, 2026. Candidates must be eligible electors of the City of Graettinger. This means you must live within the City Limits of Graettinger, be a US citizen, be of legal voting age, and not have been convicted of a felony or other infamous crime for which your rights have not been restored by the Iowa Governor or by the President of the United States. Each candidate must file an Affidavit of Candidacy and a Nomination Petition with a Minimum of 10 signatures with the Palo Alto County Auditor’s office starting Monday, August 25, 2025, through Thursday, September 18, 2025. Forms are available at City Hall between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm The polls will be open November 4th, 2025, from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. You may register to vote or update your registration online at www.usa.gov/voter-registration/

Business Spotlight of the month: EPS or Energy Panel Structures was established in 1981. EPS is a recognized leader as a manufacturer of pre-engineered buildings, which are custom-designed to fit your needs and then built for you by our network of professional builders. EPS manufactures pre-engineered building components designed for post-frame construction, structural insulated panels, and refrigerated and freezer structures. EPS has the very best employees!

🚨 Attention, Graettinger Residents! 🚨 The City of Graettinger will be flushing a hydrant today June 24,2025. During this time, you may notice temporary changes in water pressure or slight discoloration. If discoloration occurs, run your cold water until it clears. We appreciate your patience as we work to keep Graettinger’s water system running smoothly! 💧 Thank you for your cooperation! Feel free to share this post to spread the word. 🌟

🚗✨ Graettinger, it’s time to rev your engines! ✨🚗 Join us in Downtown Graettinger on Thursday, June 27 from 5–8PM for the City of Graettinger Auto Drive! Whether you’re bringing your classic car, your souped-up truck, or just to look, this is the perfect evening to connect with neighbors and enjoy the charm of our hometown. Expect amazing vehicles, great company, and that unbeatable small-town summer vibe. Bring the whole family, grab a bite, and make some memories! 📍 Downtown Graettinger 🕔 Thursday, June 27 | 5–8PM Let’s make this a night to remember—see you there! 🛻🎉 #GraettingerAutoDrive #CommunityCruise #SmallTownBigFun

Business Spotlight: Hillcrest Golf and Country Club In 1974, the Graettinger Golf Course was established and was completed in 1975. This is one of Graettinger's biggest attractions. You can enjoy a fun, casual game of golf with family and friends. After, you can grab some food and drinks from the bar inside, Birdies, Burgers, & Brews. The Hillcrest is a heart-warming place where anyone is welcome and is an enjoyable place!

It is that time of year again to start planning for the City/School Election to be held on November 4th, 2025. The City of Graettinger has four council member openings and a Mayor position on the ballot. The first day to file paperwork is August 25, 2025, and the last day to file is Sept 18, 2025, at 5 pm. Copies of nomination papers are available at the city clerk’s office, county auditor’s office, or on the Secretary of State’s website: http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/CityElections.

Big things are happening in Graettinger—and we want you to be a part of it! As our city prepares to welcome a brand-new playground at the top of the hill on Robin's Street later this summer, we’re inviting all residents to help shape its story. Share your creativity, your pride, and your vision by helping us name this soon-to-be cherished park space. Send your ideas to Kara at City Hall, at graettinger1893@rvtc.net, and leave your mark on a place where memories will be made for generations.

Dont forget about the Household hazardous waste collection day today from 3-5pm!

Pool Opening Update – City of Graettinger The Graettinger Pool will be opening around 2:00 PM today, weather permitting. 🌤️💦 Please stay tuned for any updates, and we’ll see you at the pool! Follow Graettinger Pool on Facebook!

🚨 Attention Graettinger Residents – Electric Scooter Safety Reminder 🚨 As more people enjoy the convenience of electric scooters around town, it's important we all follow Iowa law to keep our community safe and orderly. Under Iowa Code Section 321.235A, electric scooters must follow the same rules as bicycles. That means: ✅ Ride only on roadways, bicycle lanes, or designated paths ✅ Obey traffic signals, stop signs, and other control devices ✅ Yield to pedestrians ✅ Use hand signals when turning 🚫 Scooters are NOT allowed on sidewalks — this is to protect the safety of pedestrians. Please note: The City of Graettinger may implement additional restrictions or designate certain areas where scooters are limited or prohibited based on local needs. Let’s all do our part to make Graettinger a safe and scooter-smart community! 🛴💙 #GraettingerIA #ScooterSafety #CommunityFirst #IowaCodeCompliance