BELMOND, IOWA

'Belmond' is a city in Wright County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,560 at the 2000 census. According to 2006 population estimates population has decreased to 2,406.
On October 14, 1966 a tornado ripped apart the community of Belmond where about 600 homes and 75 businesses were destroyed or damaged. 6 people were killed and the town was left in ruins. The town rebuilt and has since been very successful.

Contents

Geography

Demographics

Population trend

Education

Economic growth

Economic loss

Healthcare

Housing

Retail businesses

Community

Churches

Notables:

Geography

Belmond is located at (42.847242, -93.612335).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.4 km² (2.8 mi²), all land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,560 people, 1,119 households, and 675 families residing in the city. The population density was 346.8/km² (896.9/mi²). There were 1,202 housing units at an average density of 162.8/km² (421.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.84% White, 0.23% African-American, 0.12% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 3.95% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.62% of the population.
There were 1,119 households out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.6% were non-families. 36.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.0% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 25.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,841, and the median income for a family was $43,393. Males had a median income of $30,270 versus $20,664 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,317. About 2.6% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

Population trend

The population of Belmond increased from 2,500 in 1990 to 2,560 in 2000. Belmond's population had remained at about 2,500 since the 1960's. The population estimate from 2006 showed a population of 2,400.

Education

Belmond-Klemme Community Schools are located in Wright, Hancock, and Franklin Counties and serve the communities of Belmond, Klemme, Goodell, and Rowan. In 2006 Belmond-Klemme had a certified enrollment of 740 students. When open enrollment is factored in 631 students attended the district in grades K-12. In September 2006 the district passed a $6.27 million bond referendum to build a new P/K-6 grade elementary building just north of the existing High School which houses grades 7-12. The district has already completed the phase of building new baseball/softball fields and has plans to install geothermal heating and cooling to the new elementary and high school and complete extensive renovations and improvements to the high school facility. The improvements will bring the facilities of the Belmond-Klemme district into the 21st century. Area districts of Clarion-Goldfield, Garner-Hayfield, and Eagle Grove have also completed extensive facility improvement projects. Beginning the 2007-08 school year the Belmond-Klemme and CAL schools will share a Jr. High football program.
Belmond-Klemme Community School District

Economic growth

Global Ethanol, in cooperation with Max Yield Cooperative and Midwest Grain Processors, announced its plans to build an ethanol plant near Belmond to produce 100 million US gallons (380,000 m³) per year. The plant will be built southwest of town, along the railroad tracks where they turn to go to Clarion. The $210 million project will bring 50 new jobs to the area. There is an industrial park with a 10,000 sq ft (1,000 m²). spec building. There are plans to build a truck station to suit the needs of the additional traffic from the ethanol plant. The Belmond Industrial Park is located on US Highway 69.

Economic loss

In November 2006, Eaton Corporation, Belmond's leading employer, announced plans to cut 150-175 jobs (35%) at its Belmond location. From 1995 to 2006 certified enrollment at Belmond-Klemme Schools decreased from 993 to 740 students. Actual student enrollment is 631 students.

Healthcare

Belmond Medical Center will meet your healthcare needs in the Belmond community. The hospital built a new medical clinic in 2000. In February 2007 the hospital began an agreement with Wright Medical Center of nearby Clarion. The agreement includes Wright Medical Center providing administration and medical physicians. The agreement between Clarion and Belmond is the first such in the state. BMC employs 100 people, WMC has grown to employ over 300 people. Belmond is home to a YMCA Fitness Center.
Belmond Medical Center
Wright Medical Center

Housing

The Belmond Housing Council and the City of Belmond established the Dumond Estates 40-lot housing subdivision in 1997. There are two housing incentive programs available in Belmond, which emphasize building in Dumond Estates.

Retail businesses

Belmond has a wide main street with an arcade and storefront parking. The community is identifying ways to make main street more viable including the possibility of joining the Main Street Iowa program. Belmond is proud to be able to offer you several quality dining establishments, a caterer, ten gift shops, florist, cleaners, shoe repair, dance studios, and a can redemption center. Besides eating and gift shopping, there are computer services available including repair, tanning, TVs, and automobile services. Belmond has two grocery stores, hardware store, retail lumberyard, newspaper, satellite equipment, discount variety store, video store, and three convenience stores. Belmond's fine businesses offer a unique shopping experience.

Community

Belmond maintains several beautiful city parks and an arcade along Main Street. In recent years the Belmond community has built a new fire station, city hall, walking trail, and a new clinic. There are now plans to build a new water treatment facility. The Iowa River flows through Belmond and there is a nice river park. Belmond has a country club and golf course. Luick Memorial Swimming Pool features a giant water slide and there are plans to improve the pool to become a more modern aquatic center. The Franklin Grove Heritage Trail is an asphalt trail that runs through town. There are plans to build a walking trail from Mason City to Belmond. It is hoped that the trail will eventually be connected to the Three Rivers Trail in Eagle Grove. This may be done by building a trail running from Belmond through Lake Cornelia Park, Clarion, possibly Goldfield and on to Eagle Grove. The trail could become a major tourist attraction to the area.
Belmond Area Chamber of Commerce

Churches

Christian churches in Belmond include; Belmond Evangelical Lutheran Church, Belmond United Church of Christ (Congregational), Bethany Reformed Church, Calvary Baptist Church, Dayspring Assembly of God, Immanual Reformed Church, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, St. John's Lutheran Church, Belmond United Methodist Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and St. Olaf Lutheran Church (located between Belmond and Clarion). Belmond as an active ministerial association.

Notables:

Sean McLaughlin : Hometown of former MSNBC meteorologist and "TODAY" show weather anchor. Currently, Sean is the weather anchor for the CBS affiliate KPHO in Phoenix, AZ.
Elvis Presley : The "King" was once sited at the dairy sweet, formerly known as Maxie's Pad, eating a bronco burger, cheese curds, and a butterscotch-oreo shake.
Jim Morrison : The legendary crooner ate so much food in one sitting at Maxie's Pad that he got the "meat sweats".