Michele Ott

Moving is an ordeal that most of us would rather not do. If you are lucky enough to have your move paid for by your company, this is ideal situation to be in. Most times the company that is paying for the move will ask you to get at least two estimates. When the moving company comes to do the estimates ask what it entails when they come into your home to move you? My movers were great and did all the work. All I had to do was stay out of the way.

If you are moving yourself get estimates from truck rental companies. Also I would advise that ahead of time start getting boxes, and any materials to wrap breakables. Wardrobe boxes make it very easy to move your clothes from your closet. They are a little pricey but worth it. I used mine then sold them to someone.

This is something that most forget to do and that is get together a file with documents you will need during and after your move. Have your child's old school information, which will be needed by their new school. Insurance documents, doctor information, vehicle registration/title, passports, veterinary records, anything that will be needed to get things going in your new location. Just remember not to pack them.

Here is a list of things that need to be done. There may be things you will want to add to it.

• Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
• Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
• Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.
• Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
• Settle any bills with local businesses.
• Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.
• Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box "Load Last."
• Pack a suitcase with clothes and toiletries that will be needed during your move.
• Notify all utilities: water, garbage, electric, gas and sewer, both at your old residence and new.
• Stop phone service and start new service at your new home. Also your cable/satellite company should be notified and possible set up a time to start your service in your new home.
• Arrange for a house cleaning at your old home once empty. Have your new home cleaned before moving in, if it wasn't done by the previous owners.
• And remember; keep your receipts for your move. It is a tax write off.

Moving Companies:

http://www.vanlines.com/

http://www.asapvanlines.com/

http://www.bekins.com/moving/

http://www.mayflower.com/

These are just a few companies. There are many resources online for "moving".

In continuing my blogs about relocation to South Dakota for the jobs that will be generated by Hyperion Resources, Vermillion South Dakota will be my next community I will talk about.

Named one of the "Best Place to live in Rural America", Elk Point, SD, is a community of 1,855 located 15 miles from Sioux City, Iowa on Interstate 29. The Lewis & Clark Expedition made camp in or near Elk Point in August 1804. Elk Point was first settled in 1859, making this community one of the oldest in South Dakota. Elk Point is located in Union County.

Elk Point experienced a resurgence of growth in the 1990s due to an energized business climate along the 75-mile stretch of Interstate 29 between Sioux City and Sioux Falls, SD. Now with Hyperion Resources, resurgence is on its way again. Within the last decade Elk Point can boast of a new Wel-Life Center for independent senior citizens, a new housing development designed for over 300 new homes, a new 400,000-gallon water tower, and a new $8 million public school designed to meet educational goals of the 21st Century.

Churches in Elk Point:
St. Joseph Catholic Church
First Baptist Church
Brule Creek Lutheran Church
Immanuel Lutheran Church
St. Paul Lutheran Church
United Parish

Restaurants:

Edgar's Ol' Fashioned Soda Fountain & Gift Shop

Paces Late Night Pub

Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant

Ollies Drive Inn

Retail:

Pioneer Drug

True Value Hardware

Jones Food Center

Bloom Where You Planted

Pixie Hair Salon

Radiance Hair Design

Gary's Tree Service

Jeff's Lawn Care

K & K Mobile Storage

Finance:

First Federal Bank

Valley Bank

State Farm Insurance

Rubida Insurance & Real Estate

Valley Insurance

There are four law offices in Elk Point.

Health Care:

Johnson Chiropractic

Community Health Clinic

Wel-Life Assisted Living Center

Jim Slattery Dentistry

Schools:

Elk Point - Jefferson School District

Website: http://www.epj.k12.sd.us

Demographics:

Average household size: 2.44

Median age: 36.5

Number of Households: 1180

Income:

Median Household Income: $48,500

Average Household Income: $53,140

Sales Tax Rate: 6.00%

What your dollar will buy in Elk Point, South Dakota:

$275,000 will get you 4.6 acres, 3 Bed / 3 Bath, Total Sq. Ft. is 2652. Totally Restored 2 story from studs to oak floors. Terrific building with room for 6 cars plus living quarters, and huge workshop.

$122,000 will get you .22 acre, 3 Bed/ 2.5 Bath, Total Sq. Ft. is 1680.

To check out homes currently on the market, click here.

Utility Contacts:

Gas Service	MidAmerican Energy	(888) 427-5632
Telephone	Qwest	(888) 244-1111
Telephone/Cable/Internet	Prairie Wave	(877) 633-4567
One Call Utility Line Locator	One Call	(800) 781-7474
Electric/Water/Sewer/Garbage	City of Elk Point	(605) 356-2141

There are a number of websites out on the internet that will give you cost of living comparisons. One of my favorite sites to use, click here.

The Sioux City Journal has a blog in reference to Hyperion Resources. To read this blog, click here.

Cherokee Iowa is one of my favorite towns. It lies east of Sioux City about 65 miles. The first time I drove through Cherokee heading north I though it a quaint little town. The downtown is done nicely and reminds me of a time gone by. There are nice little shops up and down the main street.

The town of Cherokee has a few parks and the crown jewel of the city park system is beautiful Spring Lake Park, located along Hwy. 59 South. This park has 40 camping spaces with electrical, water and sewer hookups, shower and restroom facilities, asphalt paved walking/jogging trail, modern playground equipment, paddle boats, fishing and many shelter facilities including the Spring Lake Yacht Club. Directly across the highway is Wescott Park, which contains ball diamonds, concession stand and restroom facilities.

Since I am a swimmer I am always interested in places to swim. Cherokee has the Bacon Aquatic Center. The Bacon Aquatic Center opens during the summer months. The hours are from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day, weekends included. Daily admission is $4.00, (age 2 and younger are free with a paid adult). Family season pass are available. This is a great way to spend those hot summer days with the kids, or without.

There is also a public library in the town of Cherokee. Also a regional airport is located in Cherokee.

Some of the events in Cherokee:

42nd Annual Cherokee PRCA Rodeo. Performances at 7:30 PM each evening at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds. May 29 - 31, 2008.

Cherokee County Fair for 2008 will be held, July 10 to the 13^th.

Cherokee Jazz and Blues Festival are usually held in January.

There are many activities and opportunities to enjoy many things, such as: American Theatre, Art Council, Cherokee Community Theatre, Cherokee Symphony, Sanford Museum and Planetarium.

Recreation Activities:

Country Club Golf Course, Little League, Municipal Pool, Cherokee Clippers Swim Team, Hershey Youth Track and Field Meet, Outdoor Fun Fair, Indoor Volleyball, Basketball league, Future Braves Flag Football, Adult Slow Pitch Softball, Bowling, and Archery.

Cherokee is a great town to raise a family. It is a safe town where kids can be kids. There are good schools in Cherokee. The neigborhoods are lined with big trees. CHildren can be seen riding there bikes or running around with friends. To find out more about homes currently on the market, click here.

Population of Cherokee Iowa is about 5,000.

Estimated median household income $34,100 (it was $31,240 in 2000).

Estimated median house value in 2005: $64,600.

Website for Cherokee Iowa: http://www.cherokeeiowa.net

Website for the Chamber of Commerce: http://www.cherokeeiowachamber.com

Part of my motive for doing this is that I read somewhere that "why would anyone want to retire in the Midwest". Coming from California, I know many, once hitting retirement could not afford to stay in that state. I have run across more and more that are thinking of going back to the state of their parents or grandparents. Where the cost of living is lower, which in turns stretches their dollar. Some retiree's say that this allows them to do some traveling during the winter months.

My other reason for putting this information out there for people to read is general information. I know before moving I do a lot of research into my future town. I look up: cost of living, retail stores, grocery stores, hospitals, things to do, restaurants, and other information. There are websites out there for you to compare your current town with your new one. I will list a few at the bottom of this page.

My first house here in Sioux City, Iowa was on 1.45 acres, out in the country, and the house is about 1800 square feet. When friends and family would come and visit they were always amazed at what we got for the price we paid. You also have to know that my family and friends at that time lived in southern California. Many of whom have left the state just before retiring or shortly afterwards. For me I do miss the beach, and the nice weather. I do not miss the traffic, crime, abundance of people and trying to afford to live in a good neighborhood. Now as a single parent there is no way I could go back. It was hard getting used to the snow and the cold but as time went on I do not mind it so much. Snow days are a day to relax, catch up on reading and fiddling around the house. I have come to enjoy the days being stuck at home. Though being snowed in doesn't happen too often. I would also have to say the people here are friendly. It reminds me of the way California used to be. I know a few would give me grief on this but I found as the years went by southern Californians talked less with their neighbors.

Here are some homes that will give you an idea what your money buys you. I put the estimated value of the home and 2008 property tax information. These homes are in Sioux City. For homes currently on the market in Sioux City and surrounding towns, click here.

This home is worth around $500,000.00, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths and 5000 square feet on .874 acres. Tax $9408.

This home is worth around $300,000.00, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths and 4600 square feet on 10 acres. Tax $6285. This home is located in a very beautiful area with rolling green hills.

This home is worth around $220,500.00, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3200 square feet on .40 acres. Tax $3872. This home is located in a great neighborhood.

This home is worth around $150,000, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2000 square feet on .25 acres. Tax $2632.

http://www.bestplaces.net/col

http://www.relocationessentials.com

Welcome to Le Mars, Iowa - "The Ice Cream Capital of the World". LeMars is located in North West Iowa in Plymouth County. Le Mars is 25 miles north of Sioux City, 85 miles southeast of Sioux Falls, 120 miles north of Omaha and 205 miles west of Des Moines. U.S. Highway 75 along with state highways 3 and 60 offer an excellent transportation network to nearby interstates as well as venues such as the Iowa Great Lakes. Le Mars features a municipal airport with a 4000 foot runway.

They also have many quality hotels, attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities for you to experience.

Estimated population in July 2006: 9,363.

Estimated median household income in 2005: $42,400.

Estimated median house value in 2005: $109,700. The average price of a home currently on the market is $160,150.00. For more information on homes currently on the market in LeMars Iowa, click here.

Education

Le Mars Community Schools This a fully accredited school district. The district includes four K-5 elementary buildings, one 6-8 middle school, and one 9-12 high school. The 2002-03 student enrollment in grades K-12 is over 2,300 students. The district has implemented all day every day kindergarten programming, and is committed to lowering class size at the elementary grades. Visit LeMars Community School at http://www.lemars.k12.ia.us/

Gehlen Catholic School is a K-12 fully accredited system with a 2002-2003 enrollment of 500 students and a certified teaching staff of 41. Visit Gehlen Catholic School at http://www.gehlencatholic.com/.

Attractions

Cleveland Castle: Features a community constructed playground, lighted skating rink, picnic shelter with grills, four horseshoe pits and two basketball courts.

Hillview Recreation Area: Plymouth County's largest county park. Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, cross country skiing, snow tubing, picnicking; prairies and forests. Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. daily - year round

Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center features museum, theater exhibits, ice cream parlor, gift shop, Big Apple Bagels and Star Hardees® Restaurant. Fun, educational and lots of ice cream - there's something for everyone! Visitor Center museum tour is self-guided, but guided tours are available for large groups (20 or more) upon request.
Museum admission: $3 Adults, $1 Youth ages 5 - 12, Children 4 and under are free
Phone: 712-546-4090
Hours: Winter (October 1-April 30) Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday. Summer (May1-September 30) Monday - Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday: Noon - 4 p.m.

Le Mars Art Center: View pieces from the Arts Center's permanent collection, as well as special displays housed in the historic Carnegie Library. Also see select signatures from Le Mars Autograph Collection featuring items collected by Don Mitchell.

Le Mars Community Theater: To promote and enhance the cultural experience of the Le Mars Community area by staging quality drama/musical productions.

Plymouth County Historical Museum: This museum was established in 1965 to preserve and conserve the history of Plymouth County and Le Mars for visitors and future generations.

Plymouth County Fair: Plymouth County Fairgrounds. Features the Historic Pioneer Village and Round Barn as well as the Plymouth County Fair every July.

Places to eat

Archie's Wayside, Burrito Factory, Lally's Eastside Café, Pizza Hut, Pizza Ranch, Mr. P's Pizza and Sports Grill
Bamboo Village, Big Apple Bagels Bakery & Café, Bob's Drive-In, China Buffet, Family Table of Le Mars, Godfathers Pizza, Jerry's Pizza, The Sanctuary, J & J Café, and 4 Brothers Bar & Grill. There are also fast food restaurants in LeMars. There is something for everyone.

http://www.lemarsiowa.com/