News Center newsletter

Lila Eleanor Schellhammer Weipert, 89, of McGregor died Monday, November 30, 2020 at Great River Care Center in McGregor. A Private Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McGregor. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to McGregor American Legion and Auxiliary or St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Lila was born April 3, 1931 to George and Minnie (Uren) Schellhammer in Lansing. She attended country school and later earned her G.E.D. November 13, 1947, Lila was united in marriage with Francis Weipert in Lansing.

Lila was known for baking pies, bread and cookies. She enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family.

Florence Lavina McKee, 102, of Lansing passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. There was a private family graveside service held Wednesday, November 18. The family will also be having a Public Celebration of Life at a later date.

Florence was born in the Lansing area January 18, 1918 to Dwight and Bessie (Darnell) Van Brocklin. She attended Lansing area schools through the ninth grade.

Florence was united in marriage with Arthur McKee December 23, 1935. Five children were born to this union: Harris, Keith, Thomas, Gary and Phyllis. Florence was a devoted housewife and always made sure her family was well taken care of.

Lloyd W. Rolfs, 84, of Lansing, formerly of Castalia, died Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 9 at 11 a.m. at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Fr. Sean Smith officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

In consideration of concerns regarding COVID-19, social distancing and wearing of a mask is required. Cards may be sent to James Rolfs at 2458 Cedar Valley Road, Apt. 2, Decorah, IA 52101.

Thomas “Tom” J. Collins, 67, of Waukon died Friday, December 4, 2020 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. John Moser officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Hanover Cemetery, rural Waukon.

In consideration of concerns regarding COVID-19, social distancing and wearing of a mask is required to attend the service. Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to Mary Johnson at 1006 Teeple Creek Road, Waukon, IA 52172.

To the Editor:

As all the doctors said in their opening statements in their letters to save lives and “our” greatest fight against COVID-19.

We just have to show a little respect for others and ourselves. We put stop signs at our street intersections to keep us and others from colliding with others. We put signs up: No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service. I have to wear a seatbelt while driving. I cannot be under the influence of alcohol while driving. I cannot come into your place of business and light up a smoke. When I go onto a construction site I have to have safety glasses and a hard hat. When the pig producers go into their facility they have to shower and suit up and wash their clothes afterwards.

If we do this much for hogs, can’t we at least do this for our fellow human beings?

To the Editor:

It’s been quite some time since I wrote a letter to the newspaper. At 94 years old, I don’t write very well. It’s difficult to hold the pen, so here it goes.

I had the privilege of attending the Waukon semifinals football game at the UNI-Dome and it was exciting. Friday, November 20, I watched the game live on tv and I watched other reruns and would watch it again. What a great group of players on both sides. If a player was on the ground, both teams offered a hand in helping them up - great spirit.

I know that most of our players are Christian, and maybe all. I’m sure they know that their great playing ability and talent is given by God but they have to put it to work. They know that Sunday morning belongs to God and their church and that attending church regularly is a must. If they attend church and encourage others to attend, the rest of their lives will be very successful.

The 29th annual Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation Christmas Fantasy Silent Auction event will remain open only through December 7. The “Big C” Silent Auction is located within many local businesses in Waukon, all in an effort to promote ‘shopping at home’ this holiday season. These auction items not only offer a variety of Christmas gifts for sale locally, but encourage shoppers to do more local holiday shopping in safe settings, decreasing the amount of out-of-town shopping and creating more local store traffic, helping the local businesses.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Allamakee County has dramatically risen with over 175 new cases in the past two weeks. This, in turn, has led to increasing hospitalization numbers in our county. The number of admissions for many hospitals in northeast Iowa are at or nearing capacity. There is a desperate need to flatten the curve, slow the spread and protect our community and its vulnerable populations. Healthcare facilities throughout the tri-state area are urging their communities to step up and assist in the mitigation effort. It is going to require more than just our medical professionals to fight this fight. It will take each and every one of us doing our part to decrease these skyrocketing statistics and help lessen the immense strain on our healthcare systems.

The local blood drives continue to be held during COVID-19 since the need for blood is in more demand than ever. Life Serve team members only report to work if they are healthy and only healthy donors are eligible to give blood. Blood drives are essential medical services and not considered mass gatherings.

The number of donors is limited to ensure donor separation, and staff has strict cleaning and disinfection schedules. Other measures are also in place to ensure the safety of the blood supply so these lifesaving donations can continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next local blood drive will be held Monday, December 7 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care is now offering flu shots on an appointment-only basis. The Hi Dose flu vaccine is also still available. Appointments can be made by calling 563-568-5660. When the appointment is made, instructions are given for the private location the immunizations will be administered.

Those with an appointment to receive their flu shot should remain in their vehicle until the nurse comes to get them and should bring along their insurance or Medicare card.

Influenza, also called “the flu”, can cause fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches to people of any age, and can lead to pneumonia and even death. Most deaths caused by influenza occur in the elderly, the very young or people who have a compromised immune system.