Local mayors reflect on 2017, look forward to 2018

For each of the mayors in the four largest cities in Grundy County, 2017 was a busy year, full of exciting new developments in business, infrastructure and community betterment.
           
In this special Grundy Register story, the mayors from Grundy Center, Conrad, Dike and Reinbeck look back on the accomplishments of 2017, and look forward to what’s in store for each of their communities in 2018 (Editor’s note: Wellsburg Mayor Pat Kennedy could not be reached for comment prior to publication).
Conrad
Two major stories defined the city of Conrad in 2017: the completion of an all-new fire station and major personnel changes, both planned and unplanned. Mayor Jeff Martin was elected to another term after running unopposed in November, and he’s excited about the potential of the new station, which cost over $1 million in all.
           
“We’re so proud of everybody and how they came together,” Martin said. “It’s really a great project, and we’re really proud of it.”
           
Firefighters and Beaman-Conrad Emergency Response Team (BCERTs) members officially christened the facility with a pancake breakfast and open house in December, and it’s received high marks thus far for its modern design and increased capacity. 
 
Dike
Mayor Mike Soppe says there were several exciting developments in Dike over the last year, including work on the Kruger-Hemmen Sports Complex being nearly completed.
           
“We were actually able to have people play on it this year, and it will be dedicated to the city next spring,” Soppe said.
           
Another exciting prospect in the area of outdoor entertainment is the ice skating arena the city recently installed.
 
Grundy Center
Newly elected mayor Al Kiewiet says 2017 was a year full of excitement for the city of Grundy Center, with a number of accomplishments and new developments aimed at community growth and betterment.
           
“I’d say one of the biggest things we accomplished this year was the disposal of the [former First] Baptist Church,” Kiewiet said. “Now we’re working on figuring out what to do with [the lot]. That’s going to be one of the ongoing things we’re going to focus on and figure out.”
           
Kiewiet says another notable achievement in 2017 was when the City was awarded a $500,000 Main Street Iowa Community Development Block Grant. 
 
Reinbeck
Reinbeck Mayor Tim Johnson endured one of the most contentious years in city history in 2017, as the G-R district survived an emotional dissolution vote, and residents took sides on whether or not the city should provide a $180,000 contribution to the Little Rebels Learning Center for an expansion.
 
“Fortunately, there was an overwhelming response by the citizens to prevent the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District from dissolving,” he said. 
 
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