It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Drummer Boy at Shiloh Historical Marker in Webster, IA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Webster, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”
“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kendall Young Park in Webster, IA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local the Webster or visit Webster County Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Webster, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Webster, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Webster, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Northwest Webster FootballLast GameAway GamePlayoffNorthwest Webster0WWest Marshall45Oct 23, 2026 @ 7:00pmBox ScoreClass 1A2026 Iowa High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSAAFriday, Oct 23, 2026Football Recap: Northwest Webster Falls Short of West Marshall in the PlayoffsTeam Reports•Oct 23, 2026Football Recap: Northwest Webster Falls Short of West Marshall in the PlayoffsFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. West Marshall TrojansFriday, Oct...
Last Game
Away Game
Playoff
Northwest Webster0WWest Marshall45
Oct 23, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Box Score
Class 1A2026 Iowa High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSAA
Friday, Oct 23, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Falls Short of West Marshall in the Playoffs
Team Reports•Oct 23, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Falls Short of West Marshall in the PlayoffsFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. West Marshall Trojans
Friday, Oct 23, 2026
On Friday, Oct 23, 2026, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team lost their game against West Marshall High School by a score of 0-45.
Tournament Game
2026 Iowa High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSAA Class 1A
Northwest Webster0
WWest Marshall45
Final
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Drops Season-High Score on South Hamilton
Team Reports•Oct 17, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Drops Season-High Score on South HamiltonFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. South Hamilton Hawks
Friday, Oct 16, 2026
On Friday, Oct 16, 2026, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team won their Manson Northwest Webster High School game against South Hamilton High School by a score of 42-20.
Northwest Webster42
South Hamilton20
Final
Saturday, Oct 10, 2026
Football Recap: Tough Loss for Northwest Webster
Team Reports•Oct 10, 2026
Football Recap: Tough Loss for Northwest WebsterFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. South Central Calhoun Mustangs
Friday, Oct 9, 2026
On Friday, Oct 9, 2026, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team lost their game against South Central Calhoun High School by a score of 7-28.
Northwest Webster7
South Central Calhoun28
Final
Saturday, Oct 3, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Fends off Emmetsburg
Team Reports•Oct 3, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Fends off EmmetsburgFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. Emmetsburg E'Hawks
Friday, Oct 2, 2026
On Friday, Oct 2, 2026, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team won their Manson Northwest Webster High School game against Emmetsburg High School by a score of 20-14.
Northwest Webster20
EEmmetsburg14
Final
Saturday, Sep 26, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Skates Past Pocahontas with Ease
Team Reports•Sep 26, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Skates Past Pocahontas with EaseFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. Pocahontas Indians
Friday, Sep 25, 2026
On Friday, Sep 25, 2026, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team won their game against Pocahontas High School by a score of 28-0.
Northwest Webster28
PPocahontas0
Final
Friday, Sep 18, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Falls to East Sac County
Team Reports•Sep 18, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Falls to East Sac CountyFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. East Sac County Raiders
Friday, Sep 18, 2026
On Friday, Sep 18, 2026, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team lost their game against East Sac County High School by a score of 6-14.
Northwest Webster6
East Sac County14
Final
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Breaks into the Win Column
Team Reports•Sep 12, 2026
Football Recap: Northwest Webster Breaks into the Win ColumnFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. Ogden Bulldogs
Friday, Sep 11, 2026
On Friday, Sep 11, 2026, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team won their Ogden High School game against Ogden High School by a score of 24-13.
Northwest Webster24
Ogden13
Final
Friday, Sep 4, 2026
On Friday, Sep 4, 2026, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team lost their game against Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto/Charter Oak-Ute High School by a score of 30-41.
Northwest Webster30
MMaple Valley-Anthon-Oto/Charter Oak-Ute41
Final
Saturday, Aug 29, 2026
Football Recap: Southeast Valley Pulls Away from Northwest Webster
Team Reports•Aug 29, 2026
Football Recap: Southeast Valley Pulls Away from Northwest WebsterFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. Southeast Valley Warriors
Friday, Aug 28, 2026
On Friday, Aug 28, 2026, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team lost their game against Southeast Valley High School by a score of 6-20.
Northwest Webster6
Southeast Valley20
Final
Wednesday, Jul 1, 2026
Welcome to the Northwest Webster Football team feed. The most recent updates will appear at the top of the wall dating back to prior seasons. Use the top navigation to find past season schedules, scores, rosters and more.
Looking for 25-26 info?
Sunday, Oct 26, 2025
Football Recap: Northwest Webster's Luck Takes a Turn for the Worse on Friday
Team Reports•Oct 26, 2025
Football Recap: Northwest Webster's Luck Takes a Turn for the Worse on FridayFootball Recap: Northwest Webster Cougars vs. Lawton-Bronson Eagles
Friday, Oct 24, 2025
On Friday, Oct 24, 2025, the Northwest Webster Varsity Boys Football team lost their game against Lawton-Bronson High School by a score of 12-14.
Tournament Game
2025 Iowa High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSAA Class 1A
Northwest Webster12
LLawton-Bronson14
Final
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Sat, 10/10vs South Central CalhounL 7-28Sat, 10/17vs South HamiltonW 42-20Sat, 10/24W@ West MarshallL 0-45
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IOWA FALLS, Ia. — The Webster City Lynx opens the 2026 season on Friday night with a road trip east on Highway 20 to take on the Iowa Falls-Alden Cadets in a battle of longtime NCC rivals at Cadet Field. Webster City won the 2025 meeting between the two at Lynx Field by a score of 42-8, as the Lynx lead the all-time series 65-39-6, with Friday’s meeting marking the 111th meeting between the two squads.After a 3-6 campaign in their first season in Class 3A in nearly a decade, Iowa Falls-Alden has one of the highest-percenta...
IOWA FALLS, Ia. — The Webster City Lynx opens the 2026 season on Friday night with a road trip east on Highway 20 to take on the Iowa Falls-Alden Cadets in a battle of longtime NCC rivals at Cadet Field. Webster City won the 2025 meeting between the two at Lynx Field by a score of 42-8, as the Lynx lead the all-time series 65-39-6, with Friday’s meeting marking the 111th meeting between the two squads.
After a 3-6 campaign in their first season in Class 3A in nearly a decade, Iowa Falls-Alden has one of the highest-percentage roster production returning in the entire Class in 3A. Karsen Kalous is a dual-threat at quarterback, throwing for nearly 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns, while rushing for over 550 more yards and 5 scores. Kalous returns his favorite targets in receivers Cade Olberding and Collin Pieper, who combined for 68 receptions, over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Cadets also return their backfield in running backs Kyler Patton and Jack Duit, who combined for over 400 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2025. IF-A’s offensive line returning is a veteran one, with the likes of Reece Rankin, Brady Lancaster and Trayvahn Williams leading the unit.
The Cadets defense brings back a high amount of production as well, as the strength of the IF-A defense lies in the 2nd and 3rd level. Leading tacklers Kyler Patton and Drake Sanders are back at defensive back and linebacker respectively, as Cade Olberding, Khamani Jackson and Sam Turner look to step in at linebacker. The defensive backfield compliments with Karsen Kalous, Collin Pieper and Conner Kuker back. The defensive line brings back consistent production with Brooks Hickman, Reece Rankin and Trayvahn Williams.
Webster City looks to break in a mostly-new backfield on Friday with Alex Staley and Coyce Bertran at spinner back and wingback, while tailback Kaleb Hansen maybe in line for a breakout senior season. The Lynx trenches are younger, yet talented behind the veteran leadership of seniors Zack Lahr and John Wilwerding. The Lynx defense has its most experience in the linebacking core and defensive backfield, as the Lynx defensive line will try to limit throwing opportunities for IF-A quarterback Karsen Kalous.
Kickoff is slated for 7:30 PM on Friday Night at Cadet Field and can be heard on AM 1570/FM 99.1 KZWC or streaming online at kqradio.com.
Since being appointed ISU President last March, Dr. David Cook has planned five multiple-day trips across Iowa to 'get out, listen and learn' about the University's impact across the state. He was in Webster City yesterday on one of those visits.Dr. David Cook, the 17th President of Iowa State University came to Webster City yesterday on a mission to explore and investigate the work done by the ISU students for the Mayor's Design Workshop, which was presented to the community in May."We [IS...
Dr. David Cook, the 17th President of Iowa State University came to Webster City yesterday on a mission to explore and investigate the work done by the ISU students for the Mayor's Design Workshop, which was presented to the community in May.
"We [ISU] were built to care deeply about our state. It's projects like this that put our land grant mission into practice," he said.
Since being appointed last March, Dr. Cook has made a major priority of meeting university faculty, staff and students. Referring to what he terms ISU's "99-county campus," he's traveled across the state, tying together the visits with programs and projects at ISU. His stop in Webster City, was one of those visits. Cook said he's made such trips "a priority, a chance to get out, listen and learn across Iowa."
Webster City was one of six Iowa cities selected to participate in the design workshop which was a year-long symposium that brought together faculty and students from the University's architecture, engineering, and landscape colleges, to work on challenges facing small cities. Recounting his experience at the workshop, Webster City Mayor John Hawkins said, "I encouraged them to give us everything they had, and they did."
The Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, Austin Dunn, who was one of the faculty leaders of the workshop, reviewed the work yesterday with Cook and other Webster City Community leaders at a meeting held at the Webster City Council Chambers. He explained the work of each of the five teams to the group assembled, including President Cook.
He referred to Brewer Creek as "a real gem of Webster City," stressing much more could be done to maximize its effect on the city. "We looked at the entire 25 square mile watershed of the creek, and saw multiple places where the streambed can be restored, and erosion of the banks controlled," he said.
Dunn explained that one of the teams submitted the concept of a new residential neighborhood "with Brewer Creek and its trail as the focus rather than just city streets."
The focus wasn't just as a recreation area, the concept addresses a real concern for the city.
"New housing is an identified need in Webster City, and the location we suggested [along Brewer Creek west of Beach Street] is identified in the city's comprehensive plan for housing," he commented.
He called the approximate one-mile distance between the Brewer Creek Trail at Des Moines St. and the Boone River Trail at East Ohio Street, as "a critical gap in your trail system that, if closed, would make both trails part of the same network." Another idea his students suggested, was the creation of "an outdoor classroom of nature" along Brewer Creek, at the extreme south end of the school grounds.
City Councilman John Marvel said "the knowledge and enthusiasm of the students who worked on these concepts just blew me away." He was especially praise-worthy of ideas for the Gateway Industrial Park.
"When I told them we were building a truck stop near the center (ie. the Brew Oil development), they immediately came up with several new ideas. One, is construction of a bed & breakfast, or country inn," Marvel said.
Readers might not associate a B&B with an industrial park, but as Prof. Dunn noted, Webster City did not have to include only industrial sites in the Gateway Industrial Park.
"In the industrial park, our goal was to evolve a design that could only happen in Webster City," said Dunn. He further stated that it can become a community asset beyond providing employment and tax revenues.
Another concept for the industrial park was the idea of a brewery with outdoor seating and sweeping view of the countryside. City Information Director Amelia Oliver referred to the brewery, and places like it, as "a third space," a place other than home or work, where people gather to socialize. Such amenities add to the quality-of-life of the city, and would provide every-day amenities for those employed at Gateway.
The work put into the project started with two day-long meetings in July, 2025, which defined projects that the students worked on throughout the remainder of the academic year.
In May, those five teams of students showcased their work at Fuller Hall, where city officials, staff and interested citizens viewed "big picture" concepts, capable of determining how the city looks and works for 50 years into the future.
Four of the five teams focused their work on Brewer Creek; its water quality, flood control, trails, and how the creek and trail might influence new housing development. A fifth project proposed designs for Webster City's newly-enlarged Gateway Industrial Park. It added up to design concepts that "allowed us to explore ideas we might otherwise have considered," according to City Manager John Harrenstein.
With the visit from Dr. Cook to Webster City yesterday, these ideas and dreams created by these students took on another role; they were able to place the concepts in front of not only the leaders of our community, but the leadership of Iowa State University. The value and vision focused on by Dr. Cook's visit again places Webster City in an enviable position around the state.
These concepts, even if not possible to implement easily, help give direction and focus to our current leadership, and help create a stronger future for not only our existing residents, but future leaders and business people in Webster City.
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