River Valley

Main Street Lansing is hosting Downtown Trick or Treating from 4:30-6 p.m. Halloween, Wednesday, October 31. Local residents can stop in at participating businesses to trick or treat. Also, there will be Halloweenies and Haunted Chocolate served at the Kerndt Brothers Community Center from 5-6:30 p.m. that evening.
 

Grants up to $500 available for eligible area non-profits

The Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF) is now accepting applications for its mini-grant program. The ACCF “Emerging Needs” Mini-Grant Fund was created to address funding needs for community projects outside of the regular grant cycle. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, October 31.
Grants up to $500 are available for eligible non-profits. The ACCF accepts applications for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters.   The grant shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Allamakee County.

Entities that have a 501(c)3 designation by the Internal Revenue Service or schools or municipalities are eligible to apply for these funds.  Non-profit groups may apply for up to $500 for their projects.

The Kee High School Post Prom Committee will host Bingo Sunday, November 11 in the Kee High School cafeteria in Lansing. Games will start at 4 p.m., with doors opening at 3:30 p.m.

Participants can bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Allamakee County Food Shelf and play an extra Bingo card free. All players will be eligible for a door prize drawing at intermission. Proceeds will be used to fund 2019 Post Prom prizes and entertainment.
 

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) was held at Kee High School in Lansing Monday, October 15. The meeting was called to order by Heather Schulte, Board President. The following board members were present: Bobbie Goetzinger, Kelli Mudderman, Bruce Palmborg, Melanie Mauss and Heather Schulte. Also present were EACSD Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier, Kee High and Middle School Principal Mary Hogan, New Albin Elementary School Principal Chad Steckel and Board Secretary Janet Heiderscheit.

by Macie Hill

The Lansing City Council held its regular meeting Monday, October 15. Discussion centered around the dike and marina contract, setting a public hearing date, purchasing benches, considering change order #4, considering payment #9 to Brennan Construction and considering appointing a council member for the vacant council seat.

A motion was made and approved to approve the dike and marina contract. ​There will be a public hearing at the next meeting, November 5, for the proposal to enter into a general obligation loan agreement and to borrow money there under in a principal amount not to exceed $200,000 for marina docks.

A motion was made and approved to pay Lucky Duck Custom Fabricating the amount of $2250 to make six new benches to replace the wooden benches located throughout Main Street.

The Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center in Lansing will host the Driftless Birding Fest Saturday, November 10. The Fest will include speakers, exhibits and self-guided field trips to area hotspots.

Speakers will include Dr. Paul Skrade of Upper Iowa University at 1 p.m. speaking on the Driftless Region’s unique population of warblers and his studies to learn more about them. Additional speakers and times will be announced closer to the November 10 date.

The Upper Mississippi Flyway is used by over 300 species of birds during the Spring and Fall migrations.  This festival will give novice and expert birders a chance to learn from professionals who have traveled the world on why and when these many species are utilizing the local area.

The Lansing Iowa Food Trust (LIFT) performed a ribbon cutting ceremony prior to opening its doors to the public Wednesday, October 3 in the office space of the former Rethwisch Lumber Co. building in Lansing. Pictured above at that ribbon cutting ceremony are: Left to right - Front row: LIFT Board members Faye Halverson and Chris McKee, Main Street Lansing Executive Director Andy Kelleher, LIFT Board President Karen Galema, Gary DeVilbiss. Back row: Bruce Palmborg, Jana Schoh, LIFT Board Secretary Gary Krapfl, Rhianna Galema, John Hisel. The new LIFT facility will be open to distribute food to qualifying individuals each Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Photo by Susan Cantine-Maxson.
 

The first-ever Driftless Half Marathon will be taking place Saturday, October 13 along the Great River Road (County Road X52) between Harpers Ferry and Lansing, and motorists are advised to be aware of event traffic throughout that morning. Although the roadway will remain open to traffic, motorists are advised to try and seek an alternative route from 5 a.m. to 12 noon to aid safety and successful completion of the event.

The Driftless Half Marathon will take place from 7:30-11:30 a.m. that Saturday, beginning at the intersection of Collins Ridge Road and Great River Road (approximately one mile north of Harpers Ferry) and ending at the Softball Complex in Lansing. The route will also include a loop on Red Oak Drive. A map of the route highlighted in wide dark gray is picture at right.

Barbara Kailean Welsh, the author of “Blazing a trail: The unconventional life of Harriet Hosmer,” will be discussing her book and its namesake at Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library Thursday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m. with a light supper being served at 5:30 p.m. Harriet Goodhue Hosmer became America’s first female sculptor, with her work still displayed across the globe.

Attendees will hear the story of her life, from childhood tragedy to fame and notoriety, always boldly taking the path that was right for her. They will also learn about her historical connection to Lansing.

Welsh, the book’s author, grew up on a farm near Lansing. Her interest in local history began with her grandmother’s antique postcards and grew through her work as editor of The Allamakee Journal.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

Lansing Iowa Food Trust (LIFT) will open its door to the public for the first time Wednesday, October 3 from 4-8 p.m. Located at 220 South Third Street in Lansing in the former Rethswich Lumber Yard office, LIFT will be dependent upon donations and volunteers for its continued operation.

LIFT will also be dependent on monetary donations to help pay the rent for the site as well as to help purchase some food supplies through  the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Monetary donations may be sent to: LIFT   P.O. Box 421 Lansing, IA 52151.

After the site is up and running, future volunteers will be needed to unload trucks, to take in food donations, to stock the shelves, and to work when the site is open.