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Wed
28
Jun

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month: Denise Becker recognizes PTSD in her military son, instrumental in finding help, raising awareness and funding for him, other veterans

by Dwight Jones

June is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Month. PTSD is a mental health condition that develops in some people who have experienced shocking, scary or dangerous events at some point in their lives. PTSD can originate from any form of trauma, be it assault, rape, abuse, personal experience and countless other life events. It is normal for all individuals to be alarmed or scared when these events occur, but those feelings normally diminish quickly in most individuals.

According to the National Mental Health Institute, “Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within three months of the traumatic event, but they sometimes emerge later. To meet the criteria for PTSD, a person must have symptoms for longer than one month, and the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships or work. The symptoms also must be unrelated to medication, substance use, or other illness.

Wed
21
Jun

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month: Area Vietnam Veteran shares his experience with PTSD

by Dwight Jones

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event at some point in their lives. After the event, up to and including years or decades later, an individual dealing with PTSD can experience panic when reminded of the trauma, or become easily upset or angry, experience poor sleep, struggle with concentration, etc. from the underlying PTSD.

June is PTSD Awareness Month. Each year on June 27, National PTSD Awareness Day recognizes the effects post-traumatic stress has on the lives of those impacted by it. Locally, a PTSD awareness walk is scheduled for this Saturday, June 24 in Waukon. Look for details on the walk within a separate article adjacent to this one on this same page.

Wed
21
Jun

Local veterans organizations hosting PTSD Awareness Walk this Saturday in Waukon

The Allamakee County Veterans Affairs Office and the Allamakee County Veterans Museum are sponsoring a PTSD Awareness Walk Saturday, June 24, beginning at 9 a.m. The Walk will take place from the Freedom Rock in the Waukon City Park to the Allamakee County Courthouse front lawn.

Following the walk, programs, speakers and video presentations will be provided by Veterans Administration PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Specialists at the Allamakee Veterans Museum at 105 Allamakee Street, across from the Courthouse.

This event is part of the Veterans Administration’s National Center for PTSD program celebrating June as PTSD Awareness Month. Designated PTSD Awareness Day is June 27. Participants are encouraged to engage in 27 minutes of exercise.

Wed
21
Jun

NE Iowa native Donald Hanson takes part in Honor Flight, happens to reunite with pair of former classmates from WHS Class of 1964


Classmates reunite on Honor Flight ... A trio of classmates from the Waukon High School Class of 1964 happened to be on the same Eastern Iowa Honor Flight out of Cedar Rapids May 24 of this year, noticing one another on the plane and during one of the tour stops in Washington, DC. Pictured above, left to right, in front of the Amphitheater of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are Donald Hanson of the rural Postville area, Merle Headington of Decorah, and Michael David (more commonly known as David) Johnson of Cedar Rapids. Submitted photo.

Father and son at Lincoln Memorial ... Donald Hanson (left) of the rural Postville area and his son, Joel (right), of Cedar Rapids take a photo with the Lincoln Memorial in the background during a May 24 Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington, DC. While participating in the Honor Flight events, Donald Hanson happened upon two of his former classmates from Waukon High School’s Class of 1964 who were also participating in that same Honor Flight. Submitted photo.

Their days of serving their country ... The trio of classmates from the Waukon High School Class of 1964 who unknowingly ended up on the same Eastern Iowa Honor Flight out of Cedar Rapids May 24 but reunited during the event are pictured here from their days serving in the U.S. military. In the photo above is Merle Headington of Decorah, in the photo at center Michael David (more commonly known as David) Johnson of Cedar Rapids, and in the photo below is Donald Hanson of the rural Postville area. Submitted photos.

by David M. Johnson

The Honor Flights to Washington DC, for individuals who have a military service background, have become a staple the past few years for those veterans.  The events have become an avenue for veterans to be honored for past service and a way for those with military service to enjoy some recognition for their sacrifice as they take in the monuments and events dedicated to the service they gave to their country as a member of the U.S. military.

From World War II through the Persian Gulf/Afghanistan conflict, all individuals who served during this time and were members of any of the military service branches are eligible to take part in the flights. Whether one may have experienced combat or not, the flights are open to all those who are eligible, with veterans who are experiencing health issues getting first priority on the flights.

Wed
14
Jun

Initial year of D.A.R.E. program in the Eastern Allamakee Community School District sets the foundation for community support system


D.A.R.E. to wear ... Lansing/New Albin Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl displays one of the t-shirts that were given to fifth and sixth grade students in the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) who participated in the inaugural year of the local Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program this past school year. Pictured in the photo background is EACSD fifth grade teacher Lisa Welsh, who was instrumental in facilitating the program for her students. Submitted photo.

Learning more than just resisting drugs ... Lansing Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl stands near the video screen during one of his D.A.R.E. program presentations that he used with Eastern Allamakee Community School District fifth and sixth grade students this past school year. Initially started as a program designed specifically for drug abuse resistance, the D.A.R.E. program has been revamped in the past decade to also include such matters as bullying and healthy lifestyle choices, along with coping and communication skills, risk assessment and other mental and emotional topics. Submitted photo.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

Eastern Allamakee Community School District fifth and sixth grade students worked with Lansing Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl this past school year to complete training in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program.  The goal of the D.A.R.E. program is to teach students how to resist peer pressure and make healthy life choices. They will continue with the program as they progress from the initial year of its training this past school year on through to seventh grade.

Chief Rosendahl, a law enforcement officer with 16 years of experience in the Lansing/New Albin area, understands the importance of investing in the future of those communities. Recognizing that education is key, Chief Rosendahl believes that by educating children at an early age about the risks and consequences of substance abuse, the community can reduce the prevalence of drug-related issues in the future.

Wed
14
Jun

Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative receives visits from Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig within a week


Ag Secretary Mike Naig visits ACEC ... Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig (seated in center of photo above) visited Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative (ACEC) near Postville Thursday, June 8. Secretary Naig met with ACEC staff, received a brief tour of the facility, and discussed issues and initiatives, including broadband coverage in rural areas and alternative energy sources, among many others. Standard photo by Joe Moses.

Touring the facility ... Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig speaks with Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative (ACEC) Economic Development and Community Relations Manager Brenda Hackman and Iowa House District 68 Representative Chad Ingels during his tour of Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative Thursday, June 8. Part of the tour included checking out ACEC’s Tesla electric car, which Secretary Naig’s son can be seen doing in the driver’s seat of the vehicle in the photo above. Standard photo by Joe Moses.

by Joe Moses

Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative (ACEC) received visits from a pair of dignitaries within less than a week of one another in early June. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa’s Second Congressional District made a visit to ACEC Friday, June 2 and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also visited ACEC Thursday, June 8. Coverage of both visits follows below.

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa’s Second Congressional District visited Allamakee County Friday, June 2 as part of her second 22-County Tour of 2023 along with stops in Fayette and Clayton Counties later that same day.

Wed
14
Jun

Fifth Star City Film Festival is July 14-16 in Lansing


Submitted image.

Local premiere of feature film by Waukon resident at Star City Film Festival July 14-16 in Lansing ... The film “Painting Jane” will have its local premiere as a feature film at the Star City Film Festival being held in Lansing July 14-16. Waukon resident Katie O’Regan not only wrote and directed the film, but also stars in the leading role in the production that will be shown at a red carpet event at T.J. Hunter’s Banquet Hall in Lansing July 15. Submitted image.

by Julie Berg-Raymond

This year marks the fifth season of the Star City Film Festival and the first year it will be held in its new home on the banks of the Mississippi River, in Lansing. Founder and Artistic Director of the Star City Film Festival is longtime actress, producer, director, and founder of Sacred Noise Society, Inc., Katie O’Regan of Waukon. Among the highlights of the 2023 festival will be Friday evening’s “Stories at Sunset” outdoor staged readings of festival-selected screenwriters’ work at the Red Barn Resort; the local premiere of O’Regan’s 2022 film, “Painting Jane,” Saturday evening at T.J. Hunter’s Banquet Hall; and a breakfast with filmmakers Sunday morning at Coffee on the River. The three-day-long festival also includes a red-carpet event and awards ceremony.

Wed
14
Jun

Local veterans organizations hosting PTSD Awareness Walk June 24 in Waukon

The Allamakee County Veterans Affairs Office and the Allamakee County Veterans Museum are sponsoring a PTSD Awareness Walk Saturday, June 24, beginning at 9 a.m. The Walk will take place from the Freedom Rock in the Waukon City Park to the Allamakee County Courthouse front lawn.

Following the walk, programs, speakers and video presentations will be provided by Veterans Administration PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Specialists at the Allamakee Veterans Museum at 105 Allamakee Street, across from the Courthouse.

This event is part of the Veterans Administration’s National Center for PTSD program celebrating June as PTSD Awareness Month. Designated PTSD Awareness Day is June 27. Participants are encouraged to engage in 27 minutes of exercise.

Wed
07
Jun

125 years of worship: St. Mary’s of Hanover celebrating church’s 125th Jubilee with outdoor mass this Sunday


Celebrating its 125th Jubilee ... The church at St. Mary’s of Hanover was built in 1898 under the supervision of Father Francis McCullough and will celebrate its 125th Jubilee with an outdoor mass this Sunday, June 11. The submitted photo below was taken at the church dedication in 1898, and its original steeple was replaced in 1948. The photo above taken by Lissa Blake is the church as it stands today, offering a handicapped-accessible ramp for attendees.

Outdoor altar ... In 1957, this outdoor altar in honor of Our Blessed Lady was built in the St. Mary’s of Hanover churchyard in memory of two priests who are buried in the church cemetery, Father John McCullough (1873-1952) and Rt. Rev. Msgr. Patrick McCullough (1872-1943). A redwood shelter has since been constructed to protect the altar and was dedicated by Archbishop James J. Byrne. Submitted photo.

Outdoor mass celebrates special events, including this Sunday ... Through the years, special events in the parish or diocese were celebrated with an outdoor mass at St. Mary’s of Hanover, such as the one pictured above from sometime within the church’s 125-year history. The church’s 125th Jubilee will be one such celebration, which is scheduled for this Sunday, June 11. Submitted photo.

Church interior, from years past and today ... The submitted picture above of a large group of St. Mary’s of Hanover youth receiving their First Communion, and the picture below taken by Lissa Blake of today’s interior of the church show the differences and remaining similarities in the church’s sanctuary area. A mainstay throughout the years has been the ornamental structure of the tabernacle area of the sanctuary that is the centerpiece of both photos. The church is celebrating its 125th Jubilee with an outdoor mass this Sunday, June 11.

Editor’s note: Due to space and other considerations, this story includes an abridged history of St. Mary’s of Hanover in honor of its 125th anniversary. A commemorative binder, which chronicles the parish’s complete history and includes photos, will be available to order.

by Lissa Blake

St. Mary’s of Hanover, the little limestone church nestled along State Highway 76 north of Waukon and south of Dorchester, will celebrate the church’s 125th Jubilee this Sunday, June 11 with an outdoor mass at 10 a.m. (In case of bad weather, the mass will move indoors.) Father Jerry Blake will be the celebrant, assisted by Deacon Jeff Molitor. Both are native sons of the parish.

Wed
07
Jun

Hansmeier to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City Monday evening ...


Pictured in the photo above is Stern Auditorium and Perelman Stage inside Carnegie Hall in New York City. Hansmeier is pictured in the inset photo at top left. The Stern Auditorium photo was taken by Jeff Goldberg/Esto and permitted for publication use by the Carnegie Hall Public Affairs Department.

Waukon native Daryl Hansmeier has been selected to perform at the world famous Carnegie Hall in New York City Monday evening, June 12. He will be performing in Carnegie’s production of the Dan Forrest work “Requiem for the Living” that Monday evening, beginning at 8 p.m. EST, which is 7 p.m. CST.

Hansmeier’s long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Jennaya J. Robison, who currently serves as director of choral activities/studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, will be conducting the work. The ensemble will begin rehearsals Saturday, June 10 in New York City and will rehearse through the performance time. The Requiem is a choral piece in five movements that features orchestra, soloists and chorus. The event will be recorded and Hansmeier has been informed that recordings of the production will be available. Following the production, a formal reception will be held in the reception arena of Carnegie Hall.

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