Elkader Police Department

05/25/2026

Remember…

05/18/2026

Great honor, Jesse!

05/12/2026

Just a friendly reminder:

Iowa is a “hands-free” from electronic devices state, as we will be focusing on this violation more closely.

There is a lot of confusion about this law, so here’s what you need to know:

The State of Iowa went into effect on July 1, 2025 and provided an initial warning period until December 31st of last year. In January, 2026, it became “enforceable” to those who continued to violate this law.

It is dangerous. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in Iowa. In a survey, 90% of Iowans consider using a cell phone to be “extremely dangerous” and even so, 50% admit to driving with one in their hand.

So, hands-free means just that. If you are manually holding or operating a device while driving, it is prohibited. There are certain exceptions for public safety personnel, healthcare professionals or emergency situations.

You are permitted to use voice-activated functions on your device(s). You must be completely off the travel portion of the roadway to manually operate a device.

We want you to be safe. We have included a quick information guide pictured below.

Fines range from $100 to $850, and can include even higher penalties if the violation results in injury or death.

For more information on further specifics, please visit dps.iowa.gov/hands-free-law-materials and DriveSmartIowa.com.

Thank you for helping keep our streets safer. We appreciate your voluntary cooperation. Give us a call if you have any questions.

05/11/2026

It’s graduation week and the last week for Seniors!

We’ve gotten to see you often over the year(s) and chances are, we’ve all been lucky enough to coach some of you at some point. Either way, we all need you to be safe, especially as you celebrate this accomplishment.

Congratulations on reaching such an important milestone! But, remember, you have a lot more of those coming and we’re excited to see what you do. Again, please stay safe! We care about you.

Elkader PD

05/05/2026

A reminder on parking:
There are several public parking lots in the downtown area.
Look for the large white signs with a green P.
And to clarify, the public parking lot on the south end of Main Street is the gravel parking area. The paved parking lots below Wilke's belong to either Wilke's or Freedom Bank and are to be used for those businesses.

Cars can not remain unmoved in a public lot for more than seven days.

If you have questions please call City Hall at (563) 245-2098.

Thank you!

05/01/2026

Another scam to make sure your family members don’t fall for:

04/27/2026

Scam alert:

This newer set of scams are claiming they are representatives of the court system/local law enforcement and notifying the alleged victims there is a warrant for their arrest, specifically, contempt of court for missing jury duty. (Though this could change) Do not provide information to these people.

This is not legitimate.

04/25/2026

Reminder!

Watch for increased bike traffic! 🚲 ⚠️

The Driftless 100 bike race is coming to town this weekend and will bring increased bike traffic (and visitors) to our community and our Main Street District. 🙌 Welcome them and be extra aware when driving your vehicles. 🚲

Thank you for choosing Elkader’s driftless region for this wonderful series of races!

👇 This is by far one of our favorite photos taken in our Main Street District. Such a cool shot! 😍

04/23/2026

Join our team at the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.

We are hiring a Jailer/Dispatcher to serve our community with professionalism and purpose. This position offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and a rewarding career in public safety.

Starting wage is $22.52 per hour with an increase after six months. Enjoy IPERS retirement, shift differential pay, comp and vacation time, and a schedule with every other weekend off on 12 hour shifts.

Pick up an application at our office or apply online at claytoncountyiowasheriff.com. Resumes can be emailed to [email protected].

Be part of something that matters.