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 Sheriff News
Detention Officer Applications Accepted Through October 19, 2020
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for Detention Officer through October 19, 2020.
County Sheriff News
Deputy Sheriff Applications Now Accepted Through 9/4/2020
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for Deputy Sheriff from 7/31/20 – 9/4/20 at 3:00 p.m.
Public Works News
Railroad Improvements Detour Route - NE 126th Avenue, Elkhart, IA
Please be advised that NE 126 Avenue between NE 38 Street and NE 46 Street will be closed Monday, August 10, 2020 through Wednesday, August 12, 2020 as part of a Railroad Crossing Repair project. This road will be closed to through traffic. A detour will be posted. If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Polk County Public Works at 515-286-3705, by fax at 515-286-3437, or by email at publicworks@polkcountyiowa.gov. Click on "read more" for map.
Conservation News
Jester Park Nature Center Closed Until Further Notice
The Jester Park Nature Center will remain closed until further notice to align with Polk County’s COVID public facility operations plan. However, the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center is open due to the open air nature of this facility.
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.
Election News
SPECIAL SCHOOL ELECTION - Tuesday, September 8th
Special School Elections Tuesday, September 8th Bondurant-Farrar, Collins-Maxwell, Saydel, and SE Polk School Districts
Veteran Affairs News
Veterans Ride DART Free!
Polk County Veteran Affairs continues creating DART IDs remotely
Conservation News
COVID-19 Operations Update
UPDATE: JULY 27, 2020 | Parks, trails, and campgrounds are open! Read below for the most up-to-date COVID-19 notifications.
County Treasurer News
7/24/20 COVID-19 Disaster Proclamation Defined
7/24/2020 Iowa Governor Reynolds has Issued Several Proclamation of Disaster Emergencies Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Election News
2020 PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION - Tuesday, November 3
2020 Presidential General Election - Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Absentee Ballot Requests will be sent to all Registered Voters in Polk County Iowa.
County Treasurer News
Polk County Facilities Closed Until Further Notice
7/21/2020 - Polk County will remain closed to the public until further notice
Health Department News
Visitor Restriction Guidelines for Polk County Hospitals
Due to significant increases in positive COVID-19 cases in Iowa, including Polk and Dallas Counties, the following visitor restriction policies have been put in place by Broadlawns Medical Center, MercyOne Des Moines and West Des Moines Medical Centers and UnityPoint Health – Des Moines.
Public Works News
ROAD CLOSURE - SE 14th Place between SE 55th Street to Dead End
Please be advised that SE 14 Place between SE 55 Street to Dead End will be closed on Monday, July 13, 2020 for an Asphalt Resurfacing project . Click on "read more" for additional information and map.
Conservation News
Canoes Rentals at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt are Currently Suspended Due to Low Water
CANOE RENTALS AT CHICHAQUA ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED UNTIL WATER LEVELS ARE BACK UP
Health Department News
Limited cooling centers in Polk County
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many daytime cooling centers in Polk County are closed. There are public options including malls, stores and other businesses that people without air conditioning can visit to get temporary relief from the extreme heat.
Health Department News
Confirmed Surge of Positive COVID-19 Cases in Polk County
The Polk County Health Department continues to see an increase of positive COVID19 cases. We are seeing this trend with the younger population. With the surge in cases and the holiday weekend quickly approaching, we strongly urge residents to celebrate the Fourth of July with caution.
Public Works News
ROAD CLOSURE - NW 146th Avenue Between NW 142nd Street/Hwy 17 and NW 128th Street
Please be advised that on Monday, July 6, 2020, Polk County Public Works will begin a box culvert replacement project on NW 146th Avenue between NW 142nd Street/Hwy 17 and NW 128th Street. Click on "read more" for additional information and map.
Health Department News
COVID-19 Cases on the Rise in Central Iowa: Increased Concern for Long Term Care Residents
Our country has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations over the past several weeks. The United States has experienced the highest case counts of the pandemic, over 40,000 cases in the past two days. Central Iowa is now following the same trend. Over the past seven days, our positive COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. Since the beginning of June, Polk County has been averaging around 50-55 cases a day. The seven-day trend has shown an increase of 20% of new cases reported in central Iowa. We are seeing community spread of COVID-19 as our community has re-opened.
Health Department News
COVID-19 Cases on the Rise in Central Iowa
Our country has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations over the past several weeks. Central Iowa is now following the same trend. Over the past seven days, our positive COVID-19 cases are on the rise again.
Health Department News
Infant Deaths on the Rise in Polk County
Over the past three months, infant deaths have been on the rise in Polk County. From April to June 2020, the Polk County Medical Examiner autopsied seven babies. Five out of the seven deaths occurred in unsafe sleep environments. This is a stark contrast from January to March 2020, where there was only one infant death related to natural disease.
Health Department News
New Visitor Restriction Guideline for All Polk County Health Systems
As we continue to work together to keep our patients, families and healthcare providers safe and healthy, the following new visitor restriction policies have been put in place by all metro health systems.
Conservation News
Lauridsen Skatepark Update
View the latest construction update on the Lauridsen Skatepark here!