News and Announcements
Polk County Promoted
Polk County will require masks for all staff and visitors in Polk County buildings
Beginning Monday, August 9 Polk County will require masks for all staff and visitors in Polk County buildings
Polk County Promoted
Des Moines Water Works Implements Water Shortage Plan
June 14th, Des Moines Water Works will begin implementing Stage 1 of the metro area’s Water Shortage Plan because of drought-induced low river levels and record-breaking customer demand for water.
Senior Services News
New Operating Hours for Polk County Senior Centers
Full-Time Senior Centers re-open by reservation only.
County Recorder News
Holiday Hours
The Office will be closed on the following days: Christmas: December 24th and 27th New Year's: December 31st
Conservation News
Great Western Trail Tunnel
Polk County Conservation was approached by the City of West Des Moines with plans to realign SE County Line Rd. The plans provide a tunnel for the Great Western Trail under the proposed new SE County Line Rd. alignment.
Conservation News
The Next Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond
On Tuesday, November 2nd, voters supported the Polk County Water and Land Legacy Bond (PCWLL) in historic fashion passing the measure by 81%.
Conservation News
Prescribed Burning Season
Prescribed (RX) burning season is here. We will be conducting RX fires beginning the week of 11/15 through January in specific areas.
Conservation News
Water in Campgrounds Turned Off for Winter
Water in the campgrounds are turned off as of November 2, 2021.
Conservation News
Controlled Waterfowl Hunting Program Cancelled for Season
Due to lingering drought and resulting low water levels at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, we are suspending the Controlled Waterfowl Hunting Program for the remainder of the 2021 season.
County Recorder News
Appointments are Required To Get a Passport
Need to apply for a Passport? Then you need to make an appointment with our office. Call 515-286-3160 and we can help you out. Currently Passports are taking this long: Routine Passport delivery takes up to 14 weeks. Expedited Passport delivery takes up to 10 weeks.
Conservation News
Fall Makers Market - Locally Grown • Raised • Created
Join us on Sunday, November 21, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Jester Park Nature Center in Granger to shop for gifts or goods just in time for the holiday season!
Election News
2021 Election Law Changes for Iowa Voters
Election Law Changes for Iowa Voters
Veteran Affairs News
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP now accepting applications
Health Department News
Health Department will serve as COVID-19 test kit pick up and drop off site
Starting Wednesday, October 6, 2021, the Polk County Health Department will serve as a Test Iowa COVID-19 test kit pick up and drop off site.
Health Department News
Health Department will start Pfizer booster dose for adults 65 years and older and specific at-risk groups on Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Starting Tuesday, September 28, 2021, the Polk County Health Department will provide Pfizer booster doses for adults 65 years and older and individuals of specific at-risk groups.
Health Department News
Health Department will NOT start COVID-19 boosters on September 20, 2021
The Polk County Health Department will NOT start providing the community with COVID-19 boosters on Monday, September 20, 2021. The FDA and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have not approved the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Approval of booster doses is required by BOTH the FDA and ACIP prior to COVID-19 vaccine booster doses being administered.
Health Department News
Health Department recommends everyone six months and older to get their annual flu shot
Each year, flu season is unpredictable and severe. Some years, we have seen a mild flu season. Other flu seasons, such as when the H1N1 and H2N3 strains appeared, we saw healthy individuals, those with underlying health conditions, the young and old become sick, hospitalized and even die. The truth is we have no idea what this year’s flu season will look like. What we do know is that it is possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.