GLADBROOK IOWA THE STORY OF GLADBROOK When two of the founders of our community went to Chicago to complete the paperwork for the location, they were given the privilege of naming the town to be located on their land. After much discussion, a gentleman asked what was worthwhile in Iowa? The men answered they had a nice brook and were glad they had it! “There you have it—GLADBROOK”, and thus the name. In the early days, as with today, we are an agriculture-rich community. Some of the finest soil is located around Gladbrook, making it very favorable for farming. We have many agriculture-based businesses in our community. We can also boast of a very good school system for which our citizens are very proud. We are rich in tradition in Gladbrook, our Corn Carnival is celebrating its 85th year in 2007, and can brag about the very large crowds for the festivities. We have a very active veterans community, which recently completed a Veteran’s Memorial Park on the eastern edge of town. We have a successful City Center that was built mostly by volunteers with donated money. The City Center houses the Gladbrook Museum, City Hall, the $1 movie theater, and the Matchstick Marvels Tourist Center. Matchstick Marvels, the creations of local artist Pat Acton, is a popular attraction in our community; hundreds of visitors come to see this amazing display of matchstick figures. Gladbrook City Hall 319—2nd Street, Gladbrook, IA 50635 641-473-2582 clerkgladbrook@iowatelecom.net www.gladbrookiowa.com
POPULATION
1,015
DEMOGRAPHICS White……………….…...…98.8% African American……………0.1% American Indian:…………….0.5% Asian: ……………………….0.0% Native Hawaiian……………0.0% Other race……………….….0.1% Two or more races…………..0.5% Hispanic or Latino (of any race)....0.9% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS High school grad or higher…...83% Bachelors degree or higher......18% Civilian veterans….....….……..17% Disability status…………..…...26% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
WORKFORCE In labor force (age 16+):.....60.9% Ave. travel time to work.....20.0 min Median family income:…..$41,797 Families below poverty level:.4.2% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
www.tamacountyiowa.org
GLADBROOK, IOWA FACTS | Page 2 GEOGRAPHY/CLIMATE:
HEALTH CARE:
HOUSING
Gently rolling mid-continent fertile/ high yield farmlands. Ave. High Low Precip. Snow Summer 83 61 13 0 Winter 31 14 4 21 Source: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, 2007
EMPLOYMENT: Corn, soybeans, cattle, & hogs anchor the agricultural economy. Larger payrolls: Westbrook Acres………….……..62 Gethmann Construction …….……25 Goos Implement ……….………...17 Hometown Foods ………..………17
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS F & M Bank ………..….$341 million total deposits Source: Federal Deposit Ins. Corp., 2008
TAXES: Sales tax:……..….….……… 7% State income tax......0.36%-8.98% (plus a base rate) Source: Iowa Department of Revenue, 2008
median value of single family house….…...$57,400 median mortgage:…………..$609
Covenant Clinic……..…...1 physician Volunteer EMS……..…..…...12 crew Westbrook Acres ………….67 beds
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000
GLADBROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY:
UTILITIES: Electric……………...Alliant Energy Natural gas………...Alliant Energy Water……….…. City of Gladbrook Sewer…….……...City of Gladbrook Phone………………...Iowa Telecom Internet...........................Iowa Telecom Internet………....….…...Mediacom TV Cable……….….…...Mediacom
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: Gladbrook-Reinbeck School District Elementary…………….Gladbrook Middle school………….Gladbrook High school……………...Reinbeck Enrollment………………..…688 Graduation rate………....95.45% Curriculum units taught……..54.5 Total units required………...23.0 Marshalltown Comm College..23 mi Iowa State University………...49 mi Univ of Northern Iowa…...…..26 mi University of Iowa………........70 mi
Books & serial volumes:…...11,714 Total circulation:……...…....16,988 Children’s materials:………. 4,110 Public internet terminals……..…..2 Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2005
HOUSES OF WORSHIP Lutheran Methodist Peace United Church of Christ
RECREATION: City park (Frisbee golf, sand volleyball), indoor swimming pool & fitness center (at the school), theater. Wolf Creek Recreational Trail runs along the northern edge of Gladbrook. Swimming, fishing, boating, camping at Union Grove State Park, south of Gladbrook.
Source: Iowa Department of Education, 2008
“The people are friendly, the business owners pride themselves on their quality of service. . . . The community has proven time after time that they can unite to accomplish many a goal or project.” Jeanne Paustian
“It always falls back on the people and their willingness to get involved. This defines Gladbrook.” Mike Wentzien
“The time, talent, and resources contributed by generations of Gladbrook citizens has resulted in a community spirit which makes Gladbrook an outstanding place to call home..” John Putney Updated 07/2009