Dear Citizens of Belle Plaine:

REMEMBER, SCHOOL HAS STARTED SO PLEASE OBEY ALL THE TRAFFIC LAWS & CITY CODES IN THE SCHOOL AREAS. WE HAVE A LOT OF TRAFFIC IN AREAS THAT ARE RATHER QUIET IN THE SUMMER, SO PLEASE OBEY THE LAW & PLEASE SLOW DOWN.

We are working to convince the DOT to allow us to upgrade the stop light at the school crossing on 7th avenue (Highway 21). The one that has been installed is the only one that our engineers said the DOT would approve because of past traffic counts. Our argument is how is making it safer wrong and why the DOT should care if the money comes from the city of Belle Plaine, not the state treasury. We will meet with the DOT at the 7th Avenue site on September 7th. Hopefully, that will lead to a conversation about an up-grade in the system for the Longfellow School area. We will also discuss a crossing marked near the new Dollar General Store on 13th Street (Highway 21 West).

Hopefully, we can convince the DOT to let us install a HAWK System at that crossing. (Solar-powered High-Intensity Activated Cross Walk system.) The reason being it will make it truly safer for school children to cross Highway 21.

Hey, we have a job opening in our water department: if you are interested in goo, poo, water, & snow removal, we have a job you might want to check out.
Check the city website!

Remember, if you plan to plant a tree in your yard this fall, you must do a one-call. All trees planted on the parking must be approved by the City of Belle Plaine. I believe we will have another tree program this fall please check with the City Administrator or the Tree Board.

When September 1st rolls around, the City of Belle Plaine changes the burning hours to seven days per week, from 4 to 9 pm.

Remember: Just because the city code gives you the increased number of days to burn, please follow the time frame set by the city. Don’t go out and start all your leaves on fire at 9:00 pm. Also, note that a responsible adult must attend to all fires, including recreational ones. The bottom line on this burning issue is to please consider the health and welfare of your neighbor. If they have wash hanging out to dry, you should not be burning. If they have breathing problems, maybe you should see if your yard waste could be hauled to the mulch pile. If we work on getting along, it will make us a better community for everyone to live in…. (Also, burning trash or rubbish in the city of Belle Plaine is never legal.)

It is better to be safe than sorry, so if you notice something in your neighborhood or elsewhere in town that does not look right, please call it in. (319-444-2323) (Obvious emergency 911) As a community, we have decided to have full-time police protection, so do not be afraid to use it. Our officers are on duty to protect and serve the citizens of Belle Plaine. Do not hesitate to call them into action if you see something that should have the police involved. It is too late if you put it on Facebook and never call the police. Feel free to contact the police when you feel something is wrong!
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!

Congratulations to Officer Mike Campbell, who just finished at the Iowa Police Academy.

Let’s get out there and support our local athletes, band members, & cheer squad. Remember, Belle Plaine does a senior citizen’s pass, so call the high school and see how to register for one! (Being a senior should have some benefits but let’s remember Medicare is not FREE!)

Congratulations to the following All South Iowa Cedar League Softball & Baseball Players from BPHS.
First team: Outfielder-Olivia Bohlen, Infielder- Kiley Alcott
Second team: Pitcher- Breanna Cook, Utility Player- Jacey Reineke
Honorable Mention: Jenna Fry- Shortstop & Izzy Sankot- Outfielder

Special Congratulations to Olivia Bohlen – 3rd team All-State & Breanna Cook – Honorable Mention All-State.

Second Team: Kanyon Schwab- Infielder, Rhet Parrott-Outfielder, Keaton Parrott- Utility
Honorable Mention: All-SICL: Ty Alcott & Gavin Ward
Golden Award: Jack Schwenn

Editors Note: I liked the SICL better when the boys played at one site & the girls at the other on the same night. The community always had a home game on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. I know what the administrators will tell you, but as someone who coached in the SICL summer league for 35 years, I totally disagree.

As always, “Go Plainsmen.” Remember, it is up to all of us to make Belle Plaine the best hometown in Iowa!

September 2022- Mayor Dave Fish