News and Announcements

Senior Services News
Norwoodville Summer Day Camp
Registration, Monday, May 3rd, Norwoodville Community Center, 3077 NE 46th Ave. Day camp is for children age 6-12. Short informational meeting at 7:00 a.m. with registration to follow.
Senior Services News
April Congregate Meal Menu
Meals will continue to be provided to interested and registered congregate meal participants from 11am to 1pm in a “drive-through” system in the parking lots of the following centers: Norwoodville, South, East, North, Northwest, West, Central, Ankeny, Grimes Meals can be reserved for future days by calling the selected site or at the time of picking up a meal.
Public Works News
2021 Weed Commission Season
The 2021 Weed Commission season will begin on May 3, 2021. Please send inquires to weedcommission@polkcountyiowa.gov

Conservation News
Fourmile Creek Greenway Virtual Public Meeting | April 8, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m.
Polk County Conservation will be holding a public meeting with updates on the progress of the Fourmile Creek Greenway. During this virtual meeting we will talk about various topics such as road removals, natural resource restoration, and planned recreational amenities.

Conservation News
Dew Tour Coming to Des Moines
Dew Tour announces new location in Des Monies, home of the nation's largest skatepark, and will serve as the only U.S. based global Olympic skateboard qualifying event in 2021!

Public Works News
Public Input needed for Comprehensive Plan Update
Polk County is in the process of updating its long-range comprehensive plan that will guide growth and development in Unincorporated Polk County through the year 2050. Please take a few moments to provide input on the future at https://confluence.mysocialpinpoint.com/polk-2050.

Conservation News
Prescribed Burning Season (March 22 - May 7)
Prescribed burn season has arrived! Our Natural Resource Crews will be conducting prescribed burning in our parks and trails as weather allows beginning the week of March 22 – May 7.
Public Works News
NW 26th Street Widening & Resurfacing Project
Polk County will be performing roadway construction along NW 26th Street beginning April 2021 and ending Fall 2021, weather permitting. Click "read more" for additional information.

Conservation News
Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center Reopening to the Public
The Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center is reopening to the public on March 18 - 19 for Spring Break and will resume normal hours (Saturday 10-4 and Sunday noon-4) through Memorial Day Weekend.

Conservation News
Debris Pile Burning in PCC Parks & Trails
Natural Resources staff will be burning debris piles left over from the timber stand improvement and invasive species removal projects, as well debris left from the Derecho wind storm through April 1, 2021.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Provides Update on Current COVID-19 Vaccine Phases and Tiers
As Polk County’s vaccine supply that is allocated by the state remains limited, Polk County will not be opening up additional eligibility until substantial progress is made on the current groups. If the supply of vaccine from the state increases, we will open to additional groups faster.
Health Department News
Health Department Opens COVID-19 Vaccination to 64 Years and Under with Underlying Health Conditions Starting Monday, March 15, 2021
Starting, Monday, March 15, 2021, The Polk County Health Department, Polk County hospitals and clinics and select Medicap pharmacies will open COVID-19 vaccine appointments to 64 years and under with underlying health conditions pending vaccine allocation.

Conservation News
Trestle to Trestle Bridge to be Replaced in 2022
We are pleased to announce that funding for the Trestle to Trestle Bridge replacement has been secured. This bridge is the connector between the cities of Johnston and Des Moines and a key element of the very popular urban Trestle to Trestle Trail.

County Treasurer News
Mary L. Wells Appointed County Treasurer
Polk County Appoints New Treasurer
Election News
Special Election - March 2nd, 2021
Polk County Special Election - Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Ankeny School District Johnston School District City of Mitchellville
Public Works News
Norwoodville Sanitary Sewer – NE Broadway Avenue – East Phase
The Contractor has begun work on the sanitary sewer extension planned in Norwoodville for 2020. The project will be finished in the Spring/Summer of 2021.
Health Department News
Health Department and Hy-Vee Expand Partnership to Vaccinate Individuals Needing Second Dose
The Polk County Health Department is delighted to share an expansion of its partnership with Hy-Vee. Hy-Vee is helping the Polk County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic by vaccinating individuals who need their second dose of Moderna.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office Warn Against COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
The Polk County Health Department and the Polk County Sherriff’s Office have been alerted to several COVID-19 vaccine scams in our community.

Conservation News
Funding Needed for New Jester Park Nature Center Exhibit
Donations are being sought to create a lithic (stone) artifact exhibit at the Jester Park Nature Center to educate visitors about Iowa's archaeological past.
Election News
PRESIDENTIAL General Election Results
November 3rd, 2020 Presidential General Election Results
Health Department News
Second Dose COVID-19 Vaccination Updates from Polk County Health Department
In January, we saw larger allocations of Moderna than Pfizer. The Polk County Health Department made a planning assumption that the supply of both brands would continue to increase and in an effort to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Conservation News
Jester Park Nature Center Now Open
The Jester Park Nature Center reopened to the public with limited hours, modified accommodations, and restrictive guidelines for social distancing and sanitation.