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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.

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Home Care In Webster, IA

Home Care Webster, IA

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.

 In-Home Care Webster, IA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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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“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I am so thankful for her choice to help me! Thank you! #CertPrint #AlwaysBestCare”

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”

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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.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Melanie S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Webster, IA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Webster, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Webster, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Webster, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Webster, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Webster, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

 In-Home Care Webster, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Webster, IA

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

 Elderly Care Webster, IA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Webster, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Webster, IA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Webster, IA

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:

  • Brookdale Clear Lake
  • Brighton Senior Living At Regency Village
  • Senior Link Assisted Living
  • Focused Care at Webster
  • Light Heart Memory Care - Webster
  • Angels Sent Care Home
Home Care Webster, IA

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.

 In-Home Care Webster, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

 Elderly Care Webster, IA

Latest News in Webster, IA

First measles case of year confirmed in Iowa resident, potential exposure locations released

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed the first measles case of 2026 in an Iowa resident, with potential exposure locations also being released.The case was confirmed in a vaccinated adult from central Iowa who was infected during overseas travel.This marks the first case reported in Iowa so far this year. Last year there were nine confirmed cases. Nationally, there have been 2,170 confirmed cases in the U.S. so far this year.To learn more about measles, visit the ...

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed the first measles case of 2026 in an Iowa resident, with potential exposure locations also being released.

The case was confirmed in a vaccinated adult from central Iowa who was infected during overseas travel.

This marks the first case reported in Iowa so far this year. Last year there were nine confirmed cases. Nationally, there have been 2,170 confirmed cases in the U.S. so far this year.

To learn more about measles, visit the state website.

Iowa HHS has released the following locations for possible measles exposure:

Dollar General 1428 E Ovid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM
Family Dollar 1251 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Urgent Care 330 Laurel St Suite 2100, Des Moines, IA 50314Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
MercyOne Des Moines Imaging (Outpatient Radiology) 1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 3:45 PM – 6:45 PM
Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church 3848 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50313Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Casa De Restauracion 821 Seneca St, Webster City, IA 50595Friday, July 3rd, 2026 4:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Kwik Star 505 Fair Meadow Dr, Webster City, IA 50595Friday, July 3rd, 2026 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Under Armour Factory House 771 Bass Pro Dr NW Suite 225, Altoona, IA 50009Saturday, July 4th, 2026 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM (noon)
Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church 3848 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50313Saturday, July 4th, 2026 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Iowa Clinic Urgent Care - West Des Moines 5950 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266Sunday, July 5th, 2026 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Know The Foe Week 1: Webster City at Iowa Falls-Alden

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.

ISU President David Cook says helping Webster City plan its future is land grant mission in action

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...

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 [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.

Webster City school board weighs options over 8th graders participation in varsity sports

WEBSTER CITY, Ia. — In a regularly scheduled session of the Webster City school board Monday night, one of the main topics of discussion was the new law in the state of Iowa regarding the allowing of 8th Grade students to compete in all varsity sports, beginning this coming school year.While a vote was not cast at last night’s school, Webster City High School principal Jason Wedgbury voiced his support on the school board on discussing the matter.“I hope you consider entertaining that through a process, a stud...

WEBSTER CITY, Ia. — In a regularly scheduled session of the Webster City school board Monday night, one of the main topics of discussion was the new law in the state of Iowa regarding the allowing of 8th Grade students to compete in all varsity sports, beginning this coming school year.

While a vote was not cast at last night’s school, Webster City High School principal Jason Wedgbury voiced his support on the school board on discussing the matter.

“I hope you consider entertaining that through a process, a student that’s in 8th grade can be considered for high school sports,” Wedgbury said. “I think that’s an important measure, because I think there’s negative implications if we don’t at least consider that.”

Three other North Central Conference school have already voted to allow 8th graders to compete in varsity athletics: Algona, Eagle Grove and Forest City. It’s a topic that’s been popular in smaller schools, but bigger schools have had mixed feelings. Wedgbury says while there’s the possibility to benefit the varsity level, he wants to help while preventing damage to middle school programs.

“Typically, I would say I want to protect our middle school sports. I don’t want to take our good kids out of middle school and all of a sudden have a substandard middle school experience,” Wedgbury said. “But, if the program needs a particular position, or a student athlete is absolutely gifted and everybody in this body agrees, I think we should keep that as a possibility.”

Many detractors of the new law cite the physical maturity of 8th graders is not great enough to withstand potential, perhaps even serious injury. Wedgbury says it should be among the top priorities when evaluating a potential call-up.

“Physically, are they ready? Emotionally, are they ready? Academically, are they ready? Because once we make that decision, you cannot do it. If we roster them at high school, they’re now high school athletes. Can’t go back to 8th grade,” Wedgbury said. “If they’re in 8th grade and we choose that, halfway through the year somebody gets injured, we can’t move them to the high school roster. I think we have to have an informed decision process as we go, so my recommendation is we have a process.”

Webster City’s next school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 10th.

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