Community News

by Dwight Jones

Bernard Welsh, Treasurer of the Waukon Fire District, which includes the City of Waukon and all or parts of eight Allamakee County townships around Waukon, gave an annual financial report to the District Board Tuesday evening, January 7 during its monthly meeting. The District Board of Directors is comprised of four city representatives, Loren Beneke, Trent Mitchell, Joe Kroack and Joe Cunningham, and four township trustees, Jim Hager, Bernard Welsh, Greg Kerndt and Tony Baxter.

The Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund (NEIRHTF) has been awarded funds from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and is again accepting applications for housing rehabilitation\improvement projects. Applicants can be low-to-moderate income homeowners, non-profit and for–profit organizations to promote and create affordable housing activities. All applicants must be in one of the four counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Howard, and Winneshiek.

The Waukon Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations from community residents for Waukon’s “Person of the Year” honor.

As part of the 48th Annual Effigy Mounds National Monument Winter Film Festival, Judith Engle of Waukon will be displaying her American Indian portraits, such as the one pictured at right. Engle's exhibit, entitled "American Indians - Ioway to Inca", will be on display from January 11 through January 25 at the Visitors Center at Effigy Mounds. The display will feature images of many members of the Meskwaki and Ho Chunk Nations who have participated in events at Effigy Mounds.

by Dwight Jones

The Waukon Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations from community residents for Waukon’s “Person of the Year” honor.

Waukon Cub Scouts, Pack 64 held its Scouting For Food drive during the December 11 snowstorm. Scouts were collecting non-perishable items at Fareway and Quillin’s food stores in Waukon. They collected between 850 and 900 pounds of food and $272 for both the Waukon Food Shelf and Waukon Relief Office. The Scouts appreciate the generosity of Fareway and Quillin’s and the surrounding communities for their support. Pack 64 also coordinated a holiday service project for Operation Christmas Child, a project sponsored by Samaritans Purse.

by Brianne Eilers

Mathis Well Service and Trenching opened for business in Waukon October 1. Owner Austin Mathis is licensed by the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources as a well contractor and pump installer.
“I love northeast Iowa and I wouldn’t live anywhere else,” Mathis said. “Everyone needs water and I like helping the community.”
Mathis is a 2001 graduate of Waukon Senior High. He served in the U.S. Army for six years, with two tours in Iraq. He and his wife, Annarae, have three children, Raeman (5), Ryan (2) and Ruin (8 mos.).