News Release from Mark Wicks, Community Development Director CHARLES CITY – A historic cornerstone building in downtown Charles City has been named to the “Most Endangered Properties” list by a state preservation organization. The Dr. J.W. Smith Building at 201-203 North Main St., also known as the Winterink Building, was the first of the properties announced for inclusion on the Most Endangered list this year by Preservation Iowa. The organization is announcing one accepted property a day on its Facebook page until the list is complete. To date three other properties have also been announced, in Red Oak, Jackson County … Continue reading Smith/Winterink Building listed among ‘Most Endangered Properties’ in Iowa

CHARLES CITY – Reporter Thomas Nelson collected the lone first-place award for the Charles City Press in the 2018 Iowa Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest, under the leadership of publisher Chris Hall and editor Bob Steenson, who notched one third place individual effort. Nelson took first in Best News Photo. Steenson took third in Best News Story. The Mason City Globe Gazette, a competitor in the same division and in the area brought home seven award. Four were first place awards. Here is the IOWA NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION NEWS RELEASE about the 2018 Iowa Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest: DES MOINES … Continue reading Nelson wins photo award

News Release The Charles City Telecommunications Broadband Commission will meet at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 105 Milwaukee Mall. Included among the agenda items is the annual Broadband Budget review and recommendation, renewal of 28E agreement and further discussion regarding the recent broadband feasibility study. This meeting is open to the public. Continue reading Broadband Commission to meet tonight

CHARLES CITY — City leaders are working toward demolishing the crumbling Charley Western Trail Bridge this winter, while the wood turtles are hibernating. Corresponding repairs and improvements to the First Avenue bridge would be done in the summer after school is out for the summer. The City Council will discuss these projects Monday, Dec. 11, at its planning session that begins at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Below it the full text of the city administrator’s memo to the council on the topic: “We continue to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) in obtaining a permit to … Continue reading City plans wintertime demolition of Charley Western Trail Bridge

  Community Revitalization news release The votes are in and the “Boo Zoo” display at Zoetis has captured the most votes for best fall or Halloween-themed business decoration in the 2017 “WonderFall” competition. Sponsored by the Design Committee of Community Revitalization, Charles City businesses were encouraged to dress up their storefronts as a fun way to draw attention to their shops, as well as to give residents and visitors alike something fun to go around town and check out.   “WonderFall’ voting took place from Oct. 2nd to Oct. 27th. The decorating contest was free to take part in and … Continue reading Zoetis captures 2017 WonderFall business decorating contest

By Colton Baldus Hundreds of costumed kids lined up along the Cedar Riverfront on Thursday to celebrate pre-Halloween, collecting candy strolling through attractions sponsored by local businesses and organizations.  There was a pirate ship handing out chocolate doubloons, a pharoh’s “tomb.” Said pharaoh seemed to be in good health lying on a table inside. A recreation of the “Wizard of Oz” included a yellow brick road. Colorful and spooky mixed in many more stops along the Spookwalk. The costumes people wore were very cool my favorites were some of the ones pictured here, but there are others that deserve a … Continue reading Taking a stroll down the Spookwalk in Charles City

CHARLES CITY — Bracket Street and 19th Avenue will be closed to traffic at the Canadian National Railroad crossings for the railroad company to work on and make repairs to the railroad crossings. Both crossings will be closed starting Sunday, Oct 29 and are expected to reopen by Thursday, Nov. 2. Motorists are encouraged to avoid these areas and utilize other routes to bypass the construction areas. Questions can be directed to the Charles City Engineering department at 641-257-6300. Continue reading Charles City announces expected street closures starting Oct. 29

NEWS RELEASE from the CCFD: CHARLES CITY – On Monday evening the Charles City Fire Department (CCFD) responded to a fire at a building on Zoetis property, namely 2640 7 Mile Road. Major fire damage occurred to the building, with eight fire departments assisting the CCFD. Today, with the assistance of the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office and Zoetis, a determination as to the cause of the fire was established. It was found that an electrical wire began arching due to a malfunction which created a fire within the building. There were approximately 6,000 chickens in the building at the … Continue reading Electrical problem caused fire that killed 6,000 chickens in Charles City

This press release was issued by the Charles City Fire Department late Monday night: CHARLES CITY – At 4:57PM Monday evening, the Charles City Fire Department (CCFD) responded to a report of smoke and fire coming from a building at Zoetis in Charles City. It was determined once on scene, that the fire was at 2640 7 Mile Road, just outside Charles City city limits.   When firefighters arrived, they found visible smoke and fire engulfing most of the western half of a building at the address. Since the actual fire was outside city limits, water supply was hampered initially … Continue reading Fire guts Zoetis building that housed chickens

Public can vote for favorite storefront display on Facebook   CHARLES CITY – Autumn is here, with a crispness in the air, colorful changes in the trees and harvest time heralding the new season. It also marks the return of the “Wonder‘Fall” business decorating contest put on by the Design Committee of Community Revitalization. Charles City businesses were encouraged to dress up their storefronts with a Fall or Halloween theme as a fun way to draw attention to their shops, as well as to give residents and visitors alike something fun to go around town and check out.   Free … Continue reading Wonder ‘Fall’ decorating contest returns to Charles City