Community News

The Waukon Fields of Faith event celebrated its 10th year of existence on a cool, early fall evening at the Waukon High School football field Wednesday, October 6, drawing another large crowd, as evident in the photos above and below. Messages of faith and how it has impacted their own lives were shared by a series of five different speakers during the event, all of whom are pictured in the individual photos immediately below. Those messages involved the more personal local experiences presented by four area high school students that included (left to right in photos at right) Waukon High School senior Braden Hemann, Decorah High school senior Grace Bachelder, Waukon High School sophomore Philip Clocksin and MFL/MarMac High School senior Gabe McGeough, with Waukon High School senior Nick Goltz serving as emcee of the event.

The Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department recently recognized the generous support of three area businesses toward the Third Annual Swinging “Fore” Our K-9 Best Shot Golf Tournament held Saturday, September 25 at the Waukon Golf & Country Club. Sheriff Deputy Ross Kolsrud and K-9 Officer Tyr are pictured in each of the three surrounding photos presenting plaques to Beau Bennett, representing Kious Kountry Auto Collision Center of Waukon (photo above); Amy and Keith Bresnahan, representing A-OK Well Service of Waukon (photo at center); and Shelly Galema, representing New Albin Savings Bank (photo below) in recognition of their high level of financial support each year of this fundraising event and of the Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Fund, which assists with program expenses including equipment, training and veterinary costs.

The 2021 Allamakee County Bible Reading Marathon was held the first two Saturdays in September, and was sponsored by Center Baptist Church in Lansing and First Baptist Church of Waukon this year. With a new format of holding the event on consecutive Saturdays and hosted by local churches, it was decided to read just the New Testament instead of the whole Bible this year.

With the fall season offering a prime opportunity to get out and enjoy the crisp fresh air, sunny skies and some fun, Waukon Economic Development is offering a treasure hunt that will further enhance that opportunity while also promoting some local businesses. Waukon Economic Development is teaming up with some local eateries to sponsor “The Great Waukon Medallion Hunt” over the next several weeks.

A metal three-inch circular medallion has been hidden somewhere within the city limits of Waukon. It needs to be emphasized that the medallion is not anywhere on private property but rather on public property, so treasure hunters are reminded to avoid trespassing on private property in search of the medallion.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, October 4 to address a full agenda of items.

During Public Comment, former council member John Ellingson discussed the former McCabe property and the development agreement between Steve Pladsen and the City of Waukon as being a positive for the community from a residential and commercial perspective. Ellingson advised that planning related to the Bresnahan property continue with this being an excellent location for residential development.

Mayor Pat Stone read aloud the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Buddy Poppies Proclamation and encouraged all citizens to support this fundraising effort benefiting veterans in need and disabled veterans October 15, 2021. Stone encouraged residents to wear Buddy Poppies in honor of the men and women who have risked their lives in the defense of this nation’s freedoms.

One hundred twenty-three youth from 70 counties participated in the 2021 Awardrobe Clothing Event held at the Iowa State Fair. Elizabeth Fossum (pictured at right), daughter of Kevin and Julie Fossum of Waterville, represented Allamakee County 4-H in the Clothing Selection Awardrobe Event. She is a Senior member of the Elon PMC 4-H Club.

This event provides 4-H members in grades 9-12 the opportunity to showcase their apparel design and production knowledge, as well as creativity skills. As a part of the showcasing experience, youth complete a comprehensive report and participate in conference judging. The event concludes with a runway show for all participants.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, September 27 to address an agenda that included the Public Hearing for Private Burial Ordinance LX, consideration of signing 28E agreements with non-profits and discussion of an American Rescue Plan related funding request by Veterans Memorial Hospital.

The Public Hearing for Private Burial Ordinance LX was opened with Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Stephanie Runkle providing an overview of the matter. Runkle discussed feedback received from Director/General Manager Craig Lensing of Martin-Grau Funeral Home, with Lensing recommending that a concrete liner would be best to preserve property surrounding a private burial site.

King of Grace Lutheran Church in Waukon will be hosting a dedication service for its new location that has been recently remodeled at 635 Ninth Street NW. Although delayed from its originally planned date due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the church has now set the dedication service for its new church building for this Sunday, October 3 at 3 p.m. The event will include an open house and meal to follow, and all are welcome to attend.

The Lansing Area Women In Business group will be working with the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) to offer an entrepreneur scholarship in the 2021/2022 school year to a student endeavoring to begin a business either following high school or secondary education. The funds raised as a result of a fall fashion show event held Friday, September 17 at Coffee on the River in Lansing will help fund this effort.

by David M. Johnson

Farmers are notorious for patronizing certain brands of feed, machinery, or anything that has to do with their farming operation. When it comes to breed of livestock, usually one breed and maybe something else mixed in for some reason or another. Even the clothes on their back may be of a particular line and nothing else is permitted. Farm equipment is no different.

In this area the color is usually green, orange, or different shades of red. The John Deere green has a very loyal following. There are a number of dealerships spread out in many locations to service those needs of area farmers, farmers owning the implements with the green and yellow logo.