As beautiful as winter in Iowa can be, those chilly temperatures aren't always pipe-friendly. Frozen pipes cause a series of inconvenient and expensive problems. Lack of running water due to a frozen pipe interferes with daily routine like washing dishes or showering. The second issue is the potential of burst pipes and water flood damage. There are a handful of tips to AVOID frozen pipes in your home or office.

1. Prepapration is Key: Know where your water shutoff is located in case a pipe bursts. A temporary patch kit is helpful to have at hand to seal off burst pipes while you wait for a plumber or more permanent repair.

2. Turn UP your thermostat: We all worry about our heating bills but keeping the temperature too low in your home may increase your risk of frozen pipes. Temperature control is increasingly important if your home is built over an uninsulated crawl space.

3. Use a Space Heater: Keep unprotected pipes above freezing by placing a space heater near them.

4. Protect Exterior Faucets: To protect these faucets around your foundation, cover them with insulated foam covers and turn off the water supply in colder temperatures.

5. Be minful of your garage: Keeping it closed during the winter months will help control your pipe's temperature.

6. DON'T let your faucets drip to "Prevent" Frozen water lines: This can actually allow the drainpipe to freeze in many circumstances.

The City of Oelwein has developed a program using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) dollars to provide forgivable loans for improvements and business development in the downtown area. Funding eligibility will be ranked on renovation, reconstruction, updating, maintenance, façade improvement and upper story housing. An application may be accessed here. 

A public meeting will be held January 18^th, 2022, at 6:00PM at the City Council Chambers located at 20 2^nd Avenue SW, Oelwein; to review the program and answer any questions property owners may have.

Black Hawk Waste has released their 2022 schedule for garbage and recycling collection. Check here  for your scheduled collection dates.  Due to automation of pickup, containers must be placed curbside with a 4' clearance on each side with the lid closed.

With winter weather upon us your Public Works Department has a quick reminder.

The parking ban goes into effect when there are three or more inches of snow / ice predicted by the National Weather Service, or 3" have already fallen.  

Please take this time now to prepare off-road parking during these events.

For more details, please review the Oelwein Snow Policy.

 We hope you have a safe winter season! 

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website at https://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

Work is anticipated to begin on the 2021 Water Main Improvements Project July 14, 2021.  Areas of improvement include

     1st Street NE from 8th Avenue to 12th Avenue NE
     12th Avenue SE from East Charles to Middle School and on 1st Street SE from Hillside Dr East to 12th Avenue SE
     5th Street SE from 5th Avenue SE to 9th Avenue SE
     6th Avenue SE from 5th Street SE to 7th Street SE

Please check here for more information on the project. Contact information can also be found here.