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 The grand opening of Sparky's Auto was held this morning. Congratulations and Welcome! https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Automotive-Repair-Shop/Sparkys-Auto-104969748392936/
 Located at 706 Nebraska Avenue, Essex, IA 51638
Be the first to make memories in this new constructed home. This raised ranch home includes 2-bedrooms and a master bedroom with a 3/4 bath, a full sized bathroom and laundry closet all on the main level. The open concept living room and kitchen will make entertaining easy. The kitchen features dark gray maple cabinets, soft close drawers with dove tail joints and a lazy susan. There is nice luxury vinyl plank flooring that runs throughout the home with plush carpet in the bedrooms. The lower level is ready to be made into extra living space which includes hook-ups for an extra bathroom. This home is located in a wonderful location across the street from the City park and just a few blocks from the school.  The Essex Community Club Board is excited to welcome their new Executive Director, Emily Spencer! "Born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa I grew up with a love of horses, reading and Girl Scouts. My desire to give back and work within the community started at an early age. By 14 I had my first job working with disabled children and numerous volunteering projects under my belt through Girl Scouts. After working my way through college I started my career with a manufacturing company. My community involvement was heavy for this company, ranging from promotion of the business to serving on the Community education board to becoming an ambassador with the chamber of commerce. Winning myself a number of national awards. This career brought me to Clarinda, IA in December of 2015. Everything changed that day, it's a familiar story. I met a man, fell in love and we are living happily ever after with our two sons on the family farm north of Clarinda. I couldn't be happier that my path has led me to the ECC and I'm looking forward to jumping right in." The Essex Community Club is planning for the annual Labor Day celebration, in addition to recognizing the town's sesquicentennial. As always, they continue "Working for the betterment of Essex, Iowa!" The Essex Community Club Board (from left to right) includes Brian Johnson - President, Heather Thornton - Vice President, Emily Spencer - Executive Director, Cassie Lundgren - Secretary and Candice Liljedahl - Treasurer.   In celebration of the Essex Sesquicentennial, the Essex Community Club is awarding a total of $4000 in grants to local non-profit organizations.
With the cancellation of 2020 Essex Labor Day festivities, due to Covid-19, Essex Community Club members wanted to express support & gratitude to community organizations which regularly volunteer and fund raise during the annual celebration. Grant award recipients include: $100-Page Co. Pork Producers; $100-Page Co. Cattlemen; $250-Fremont 4-H'ers; $250-Faith Covenant Church; $250-Presbyterian Church; $250-St. John's Lutheran Church; $250-American Legion Auxiliary; $850-Essex Community School Boosters; $850-Essex Childcare Center; $850-Essex Fire Department  2020 marked the Essex Sesquicentennial, and even though a traditional celebration wasn't possible, Pete and Dana Wenstrand found a way to mark the milestone. The Wenstrands recognized the 150 year anniversary by encouraging residents to plant 150 trees. Thanks to the businesses, organizations and individuals who participated, the goal was met!
Read the full KMA articles: "Essex Residents Encouraged to Plant Trees to Mark Sesquicentennial" "Essex Tree Initiative Meets Goal"
 The Residential Sidewalk Replacement Program continues with the third phase breaking ground next month. Project chair Candice Liljedahl updated the Essex City Council on the plan, with the council agreeing to match up to $5,000 of the funds from the Local Option Sales Tax. Areas under construction include Denison Street and Iowa Avenue near Anderson Park leading to the downtown area. Nearly $30,000 has been invested in the project to date!
More than five years ago, a survey of Essex residents showed that sidewalk conditions were a major concern. Today, the Essex Community Club is close to completing a safe path to school, work and overall enjoyment!
Dana Wenstrand and Dave Jauron started the project by observing the state of each sidewalk in town. They found that 37% needed repair and 59% were non-existent. Charlie Hendrickson was hired to replace a small area near the post office on Iowa Avenue in 2015. Then, the ECC membership voted to continue the plan on a larger scale. With the help of ECC Executive Director, Melissa Chambers, Candice Liljedahl chaired the project as it was decided to focus on the southwest part of Essex. The path from the south side of Omaha Avenue to the west side of Denison Street was chosen to create a walkway from the school to Anderson Park and downtown. Ramps have also been added to provide handicap accessibility and general ease of use. Residents applied for grand applications and completed city permits to participate in the program. Close to $18,000 will be invested into the project including the 2015 phase. ECC has already received generous donations through fundraising efforts. We are well on our way to our goal of $10,000! Donors can purchase sidewalk "squares" for $100, but any amount is welcome. Your tax-deductible donation is payable to: Essex Community Endowment Fund (Memo: Sidewalk Project) P.O. Box 334 Essex, IA 51638 Thank you to the following donors to date: Bank Iowa John & Lucy Bengston Rena Bowman CP Self Storage Farmers Telephone Company First Presbyterian Church Bill & Tish Glasgo Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home Russ Hilker Darwin & Belinda Holmes John's Heating and A/C Services, LLC Brian & Laura Kirchert Dennis & Diane Liljedahl Liljedahl Farms, Inc. Main Street Storage / David & Donna Jauron John and Kerry McBride Jason & Lisa Nelson David & Amy Rydberg Joey & Amy Samuelson Peter & Dana Wenstrand Jolene & Brent Younggren |
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