A Progressive Estherville. . .

,Have you noticed that Estherville has been bustling the past year or so? It seems like new things and changes are happening every day. I am proud of our community and proud of the direction we are headed. As our world changes and the internet connects us and makes some things obsolete we have had to adapt, as every rural community has had to do. I have noticed Estherville fill our Downtown with special and unique stores, shops and restaurants. Many of our businesses are seeing growth, including many additions. Our community has made much progress on several quality of life projects, which continually enhances living here in Estherville. 

The list of projects, new businesses, business expansions and more is quite lengthy. Here are a few of the highlights: 

There have been many business expansions and growths including the new J&J Ag building, the Avera Emergency Room expansion capital campaign and addition of new doctors and nurse practitioners, Redwood Farms Meat Processors large expansion and added jobs, Zen Wellness's new building and remodel, Drs Bruns and Williams Dental Office expansion, Fareway Grocery Store's remodel, new KILR radio station addition of 97.3FM, Employees Credit Union building expansion and renovation, Morphew Studios and Learn Acre moved into Downtown Estherville in the Excel Building, and Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative's new solar array. 

There have been at least 21 NEW BUSINESSES started or locations opened in Estherville including Central Perk Coffee House, Sawmill Designs, Brey's on Seventh, the Heartland Coop which houses Heartland Home and Gifts, Garden Goodness Market, Jeanette's Creations, Deb's Baked Goods, Hen and a Chick, The Family Jewels, Design Master's Aromostore, Oak Hill Designs, Pats Crafts and Such, Slare Fashions, Denise Sprecher Simple Kreations, On Deck Designs, Scattered Cravings and more to come, Developments of Highway 9 Storage Units, Body Balance Massage, La Tequila Mexican Restaurant, China Garden Restaurant, and Countryside Insurance Office. 

An abundance of community projects including the beginning of construction for the new Performing Arts Center at Iowa Lakes Community College, the new recreational trail along the river, new downtown light pole banners, new holiday lights including snowflakes along Central Avenue and lighted trees at Fitzgibbon Park, the painting of the west Water Tower,  the opening of Studio 12 in the Excel Building, new Estherville Public Library Signs, the demolition of the apartment complex on the corner of 18th Street and Central Avenue and the new addition to ELC Demoney Elementary School. 

Exciting projects that have just begun and will be finished within the next year include the Black Hills Energy Liquid Natural Gas Project, a new Estherville Dog Park, Upper Des Moines renovating and expanding in the North Roosevelt building, the new Veterans Memorial Park and Gold Star Memorial, Central Avenue Bridge renovation, bids are being accepted for redevelopment on the corner of 18th Street and Central Avenue and so much more are in the works!
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Estherville has so many wonderful attributes! Sometimes it can be hard to see the many positives in our community because we live here, but we live in an area with an abundance of positives. Our natural beauty, friendly people and fun activities allow us to thrive. These new businesses, business expansions and community projects would not happen without the hard work and dedication from many community members, leaders and business owners. Remember to spread the positives and help keep them going!