News and Announcements
Polk County Promoted
Updated Polk County Service Modifications And Closures (04-01-2020)
DES MOINES, Iowa – March 23 2020 — To protect the health and safety of Polk County employees and the general public the following closures and service modifications will be effective beginning 8:00 am on March 18, 2020 until further notice.
County Recorder News
DERECHO DISASTER PROCLAMATION
The governor extended a disaster proclamation for counties impacted by the August 10th derecho until November 15th, 2020.
County Recorder News
Real ID and Your Birth Certificate
Due to COVID-19, the deadline to get your REAL ID (gold star) has been extended to Oct. 1, 2021. Click here for more information.
Conservation News
Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center to Close on October 26
Polk County Conservation has made the decision to close the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center to the public on Monday, October 26. We will continue to monitor public health recommendations related to COIVD-19 and reopen the facility when it is safe to do so.
Conservation News
Water Services in Campgrounds Have Been Shut Off
Due to the falling temperatures and freezing weather, Polk County Conservation has turned off water services in the campgrounds.
Public Works News
Weed Commission Season Over
The 2020 Weed Commission season ended as of October 16, 2020; therefore, we will not be taking new complaints. If you have a question regarding a current case or an assessment, please contact us at weedcommission@polkcountyiowa.gov.
County Treasurer News
Expired Temporary License Plate Card
Per the Governor’s current Proclamation, the requirement to display permanent plates on a vehicle within forty-five days after the date of delivery of the vehicle to the purchaser from the dealer has been extended to ninety days.
County Sheriff News
Sheriff’s Office precautions for the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to evaluate the COVID-19 Pandemic and prepare for the effects in our area. The lobbies of the Polk County Jail and the PCSO Patrol Headquarters are closed to the public until further notice.
Health Department News
Support Person Restriction Guideline Updates for Polk County Hospitals
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, MercyOne – Des Moines and Broadlawns Medical Center maintain the current visitor restrictions for the safety of our patients and team members. However, we recognize the importance of having a support person available for a patient’s well-being. With some exceptions, one support person will be permitted to be with a patient per day during hours set by each hospital. This change will be effective Wednesday, October 14, 2020. NOTE: Hospitals may further restrict visitation in certain situations.
Conservation News
Interior Vestibule at Jester Park Nature Center Open to Public
Beginning on Wednesday, October 14th, the interior vestibule at the Jester Park Nature Center will be open to the public during park hours seven days per week. Visitors will be able to obtain park brochures, trail maps, and use the restroom facilities.
Election News
PRESIDENTIAL General Election
Presidential General Election - Tuesday, November 3, 2020 BALLOTS ARE BEING MAILED OUT! SATELLITE VOTING LOCATION: POLK COUNTY ELECTION OFFICE (one block south of Court Avenue) 120 2nd Avenue, Suite A Des Moines, IA 50309
County Recorder News
Office Hours for the County Recorder
The Recorders office is currently closed to the public, but still open from 8:00am - 4:30pm via phone or by mail. Please call 515-286-3160 with any questions.
County Treasurer News
Polk County Treasurer Allows Limited Appointment Visits-Vehicle Title Transfers and Auto Dealer Drops
MARY MALONEY, POLK COUNTY TREASURER—The coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of Polk County Facilities in order to help control the spread of the virus. The Treasurer is now opening on an appointment only basis beginning on October 1, 2020.
Health Department News
Health Department urges everyone six months and older to get their flu shot
Each year, flu season is unpredictable and severe. Some years, we have seen a mild flu season. . The truth is we have no idea what this year’s flu season will look like. What we do know is that possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
Health Department News
City of Ankeny Offers Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic
The Ankeny Fire Department, in partnership with the Polk County Health Department, will be offering a Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, 1 – 6 p.m. at Ankeny Fire Station Headquarters, 120 NW Ash Drive, Ankeny.
County Treasurer News
Property Tax Reminder (9/30/2020)
Polk County Treasurer reminds taxpayers, "September 30th is property tax deadline."
Conservation News
Retreat With Horses – Free Demonstration For First Responders & Health Care Workers
Discover how horses help humans heal mentally and emotionally through the Jester Park Equestrian Center's free demonstration for first responders & health care workers, Retreat With Horses.
Emergency Management News
FEMA Disaster Assistance Available in Polk County
Individuals and business owners in Polk County may now apply for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program. Residents may apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. TTY users can call 800-462-7585.
Health Department News
Health Department urges residents to take caution over Labor Day Weekend
Over the past weeks, we have seen an alarming increase of positive COVID-19 cases in the state. Cases in Polk County are still on the rise and do not show any signs of slowing down. As families get together and students come home from college, we strongly urge residents to celebrate Labor Day weekend with extreme precaution.
Conservation News
Controlled Bowhunt Application & Information
This fall, special use permits allowing bowhunters to participate in a controlled bowhunt for antlerless deer will be issued by the organizations listed at the bottom of this information.
Health Department News
Recommendations for individuals who use oxygen and are without power
The recent storm has caused widespread power outages that affect a large number of people that use oxygen.