BATTLE CREEK, Iowa - This community was named for an 1849 battle between Sioux Indians and a U.S. Government surveying party. The battle took place on a hill outside the eastern side of where the town exists today.
The battle that Battle Creek currently faces is the fight to survive economically. In 2003, the community seems to have made some giant strides on that front.
Battle Creek, population 743, has seen a lot of businesses show a belief in survival. With two new businesses building or adding on, as well as a renovation taking place, the town has seen some growth.
Major business progress includes a new assisted living facility and a new funeral home, as well as the development of a recreation area.
Willow Dale Wellness Village completed its assisted living addition. Willow Dale, which also features a 51-bed nursing facility, added a 10-apartment assisted living unit, the first of its kind in Ida County.
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"It's a nice step between home and a nursing home, when people need a little help," says Wilma McClellan, Willow Dale's director.
According to architect Craig Skott, "Residents can come into this facility as an independent living complex, with help available whenever a resident feels a need. Our main thrust is to keep people as independent as possible for as long as possible. Our goal is to provide continuance of care, yet still offer residents the opportunity to sneak out the door occasionally."
The assisted living section has a separate entrance from the nursing home, so residents are able to come and go as they please. The facility also has a beautiful lobby, kitchen and activity room/family area. There is a guest room for any visiting family member who wishes to stay over.
Each of the 10 apartments has its own kitchen, giving residents the option of making their own meals or having their meals prepared for them.
Nursing care is next door at the nursing home. The two are connected via a corridor.
Willow Dale is owned by ABCM Corporation of Hampton, Iowa. ABCM owns 31 nursing homes in Iowa.
New funeral home in town
Battle Creek has also gained a new funeral home through Christensen/Huffman funeral home. Owners Scott and Connie Huffman built and opened the new building in Battle Creek. The new home replaces the existing one, which had been located in a Battle Creek residence.
"The people of Battle Creek have been very good to us, and we are just trying to best meet their needs. For what people pay for a funeral they deserve the very best," says Scott Huffman.
The new facility has twice the available space as the old one, and was built with accessibility in mind. "The new home has no steps and is all on one level," Huffman says.
The new building also has room for funeral services. The 50-person capacity may seem under-sized to some, but Huffman explains with a clarification that reflects his understanding of this area and its people.
"Battle Creek is a church-going community - and we like and support tradition," he says.
Christensen-Huffman also has funeral homes in Ida Grove and Odebolt, Iowa, with the main office in Ida Grove.
Downtown modifications
Battle Creek had some changes in its downtown in the past year. The grocery store, formerly Deron's, owned by Daren and Tracey Schmidt of Battle Creek was bought by Barb Lewis of Anthon, Iowa. The store was renamed Little Country Store 2. Lewis owns another store in Anthon, Little Country Store 1.
Lewis, who grew up in Ida Grove, says she is thrilled to be part of the small community. "The people of Battle Creek have been very supportive," says Lewis. "Battle Creek is such a homey town."
Also added to Battle Creek's Main Street is a bar and grill, Lazy Dogs. After extensive restoration, owners Gerald Rickabaugh and Gloria Grashorn opened their doors for new business last fall.
Battle Creek has also begun work on a renewing an old gravel pit east of town and turning it into a recreation area with a paved walking trail.
The pit has been Battle Creek's swimming hole for generations. But after closing it to summer swimming three years ago, the gravel pit with its sandy beach sat idle.
Battle Creek resident Bob Bjorholm's sensed its potential. "Coming into town from the east all you noticed was the overgrowth and neglect just crying out for attention," says Bjorholm. "I've always felt that it was the duty of every town to take care of its young and to take care of its old."
Last year Bjorholm joined other interested members of the community and presented ideas for the 10-acre piece of ground to the city council. With the council's approval, a committee formed and the work began.
Starting with dredging of the old pit and the removal of old trees, the area started taking shape and the community began to catch the vision of the project.
The paved walking trail will be constructed in a figure-eight shape, encircling two parts of the old pit. Native trees along the path are to be identified, making the trail one of recreation as well as education.
The new park will also have a veterans memorial area set aside to honor those who have served the United States.
The Battle Creek City Council is also looking into expanding its energy options with the purchase of a wind turbine to generate electricity. Research into the DNR's Iowa Energy Bank Program has generated interest among city council members.
Excess energy generated by the turbine would be purchsed by Mid-American Energy. A turbine could cost between $250,000 and $500,000.
