News and Announcements
Senior Services Promoted
Polk County Senior Centers Closed Friday 1-15-21
Due to weather the Polk County Senior Centers will be closed Friday, 1/15/21
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.
Health Department News
Health Department and Partners Expand COVID-19 Vaccination to Additional Healthcare Workers in Phase 1A
The Polk County Health Department will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations to additional healthcare workers (working in Polk County) eligible for vaccination in Phase 1A beginning Monday, January 11, 2021.
Conservation News
Renting Cross-Country Skis & Snowshoes with Polk County Conservation
Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, adjacent from the Jester Park Nature Center. The cross-country ski rental includes skis, boots, and poles. Poles and boots are NOT included with your snowshoe rental.
Health Department News
Health Department reminds public COVID-19 vaccine phasing
The Polk County Health Department will like to remind the public that we are STILL in Phase 1A.
Election News
Special Election - March 2nd, 2021
Polk County Special Election - Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Health Department News
Health Department and Partners Expand COVID-19 Vaccination to Healthcare Workers in Phase 1A to Additional Groups
The Polk County Health Department will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations to all healthcare workers eligible for vaccination in Phase 1A, beginning Monday, January 11, 2021. The vaccinations will be offered at the Polk County Health Department and select community pharmacies by appointment only.
Conservation News
Tree Removal Underway in PCC Parks & Trails
We are working with XTreme Tree Inc to remove hazard trees and hangers from our soft and hard trails as a result of the summer derecho wind storm. Removals begin today at Brown’s Woods and will move throughout our park and trail system in January and February.
Conservation News
Lauridsen Skatepark Grand Opening Announced
We are excited to announce our management and the grand opening of the Lauridsen Skatepark on May 22, 2021. The 88,000 square feet attraction will showcase Olympic caliber park and street courses.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Tentative COVID-19 Vaccine Timeline
Based on vaccine supply, this is a TENTATIVE TIMELINE on when we will see vaccine in our community for the following phases. Please note this is a fluid situation and can change at any time.
Health Department News
Polk County COVID-19 hospitalizations at all-time high
Today, Saturday, November 14, 2020, Polk County has 204 COVID-19 hospitalizations. This is the highest number of hospitalizations Polk County has seen throughout the pandemic. We cannot stress enough how alarming and urgent the situation has become for hospitals and their health care workers.
Senior Services News
January 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.
Health Department News
Health Department Plans for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in Polk County
Our COVID-19 frontline healthcare providers are receiving the vaccine after fighting the virus and protecting our community for nine long months. We will continue to do so until every healthcare worker in our hospitals, clinics and long-term care centers are vaccinated.
Conservation News
20% Off Your Winter Cabin Stay
Book a winter cabin getaway for the holidays, a special weekend, or a week-long stay to reconnect with your family away from the hustle and bustle of life. When you book from 12/1/20 through 3/1/21, automatically get 20% off your cabin reservation for stays 1/3/20 to 3/11/21.
Conservation News
Chill Out Challenge
Polk County Conservation has created an online family challenge that will take you from your home and into our county parks. Even though it ’s cold, we want to encourage you to get outside and have fun doing it!
County Sheriff News
Phone SCAM Alert
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has taken more reports of phone scams being attempted in and around Polk County. The people attempting these scams are using software that allows their phone numbers to appear on a caller ID to match that of Polk County phone numbers.
Conservation News
Polk County Designated a Bird Friendly Community
Bird Friendly Iowa announced that Polk County is among the first counties in Iowa to be designated as a Bird Friendly Community.
Veteran Affairs News
In need of home repairs?
Habitat for Humanities Rock the Block program may be able to assist.
Conservation News
COVID-19 Operations Update
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | Parks, trails, and campgrounds are open! Read below for the most up-to-date COVID-19 notifications.
Health Department News
Health Department urges residents to make smart choices for Thanksgiving holiday
The past week has been terrifying for Polk County hospitals and healthcare providers. We have seen record breaking COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Polk County and across the state. Healthcare workers are overwhelmed and metro hospitals have been leaning on rural hospitals to help treat patients. Public health officials project positive cases and hospitalizations will substantially increase after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Health Department News
Critical Polk County Hospital Public Announcement
We are coming together today to plea to our community to please help in our fight against COVID-19.
Health Department News
Drive up flu clinic closed for Veterans Day
November 9, 2020 In honor of Veterans Day, our drive up flu clinic will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2020. We will reopen Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 9:00 AM.