Community News

The Department of Transportation (DOT) Street Improvement project involving Highways 9 and 76 through Waukon has hit the downtown Main Street area with continued sidewalk improvements and some infrastructure work both above and below ground, some of which is depicted in the surrounding photos. In addition to the typical sidewalk, curb and gutter work that has accounted for a majority of the project thus far along the designated project route, there have also been some discoveries made and other originally known issues requiring further investigation into otherwise unknown sources that have required some extra attention, including the process pictured in the two photos above of replacement of a troubled segment of original storm sewer along the south side of Main Street that is still utilized and ties into the main storm sewer, according to City officials.

Deadline to return completed registration form is June 22

The Allamakee County Fair Board is seeking applicants for the 2019 Allamakee County Fair Queen contest, with this year’s fair running July 17-21.

The contest will run similarly to that of the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest. There will be one formal interview conducted by judges. This is where the majority of the judging will take place.

Coronation of the 2019 Allamakee County Fair Queen will take place following the “Allamakee County Youth Showcase” Tuesday evening, July 16 at the Allamakee County Pavilion building on the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon. This event will begin at 7 p.m.

At this event, each Fair Queen contestant will be asked to share her favorite Allamakee County Fair memory. The 2019 Allamakee County Fair Queen and Allamakee County Fair Princess will be announced and crowned at the conclusion of the Youth Showcase.

Pheasants Forever and partners in northeast Iowa will be hosting several field days during National Pollinator Week, June 17-23. They will provide educational opportunities for farmers, landowners and others interested in seeking information about pheasants, monarchs, pollinators, wildlife habitat conservation and management. These Pollinator Habitat Field Tours are open to the public and free of charge. Light refreshments will be provided.

The most local Pollinator Habitat Field Tour is scheduled for Monday, June 17 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and will begin at Freedom Bank (formerly Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank), located at 201 West Main Street in Waukon.

Children and families are encouraged to participate in Robey Memorial Library’s program series, Summer Explorers, to be held the first and third Wednesdays in June and August from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the library. The remaining program schedule is as follows:

• June 19 - Movie: Disneynature: Bears - Showcasing a year in the life of a bear family and set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop, their journey begins as winter ends. Astonishing footage captures the fast-moving action and suspense of an endearing family learning to live life to its fullest in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.
• August 7 - Recycled Art: Create a unique art piece using recycled materials. The library will provide all materials.
• August 21 - To be decided.

For more information contact the library at 563-568-4424 or www.waukon.lib.ia.us.
 

Everyone has an Iowa food story, and Lake City author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby will bring these stories to life Friday, June 14 at the Robey Memorial Library in Waukon for a free Adventures in Iowa’s Culinary History program and book signing starting at 2 p.m.

“From Iowa originals like Maid-Rites to kolaches to homemade cinnamon rolls - served with chili, of course - there are many remarkable stories behind Iowa’s tastiest traditions,” said Maulsby, Iowa’s Storyteller, who has been featured in the Iowa History Journal, Our Iowa magazine, Iowa Public Radio and more. “Pull up a chair, and relish what you missed in history class.”

The New Albin Public Library will be hosting Story Time with Dan Wardell as part of Dan’s Reading Road Trip sponsored by Iowa Public Television. Area youth and families are invited to attend the Wednesday, June 19 event that begins at 10 a.m. at the New Albin Public Library, located at 137 Railroad Avenue SW in New Albin.

Those attending can meet Dan Wardell, hear a story and receive an official superhero card. His message to area youth during their summer break from school will be to turn off their screen devices, get up and play, use their imagination, read good books and make healthy choices.
 

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, June 3 to address a full agenda of items including the appointment of Library Trustees, an agreement for consultation fees for former City employees and awarding a contract for the Waukon Industrial Park Sidewalk Project.

The council individually held four Public Hearings, all without any written or verbal comments received and without comment from the public in attendance. These Public Hearings included the proposed change in zoning district classification for certain property in the Green Valley Subdivision, proposed specifications and estimated costs of the Tennis Court Project through the Waukon Park and Recreation Wellness Department, proposed disposition of interest in real property relating to the West Side Subdivision Lot 8, and proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost of the Waukon Industrial Park Sidewalk Project.

by Lissa Blake

When a person is trying to decide whether to repair or scrap a piece of vintage equipment, they might want to let John Lydon take a look at it first.

“We often find older equipment is worth repairing, because of its quality and longevity,” said Lydon.

Last week, John and his wife, Shelly, hosted a grand re-opening for their business, Lydon Electric Motors, at its new location, 850 Allamakee Street, across from the Allamakee County Fairgrounds. The new location gives them more room to work on and store equipment while it is being worked on.

HISTORY
Lydon Electric Motors started in 1958, when John’s parents, Tom and Jean Lydon, moved from Cresco to Waukon. Tom had worked for Bartlett Electric in Cresco and decided to open his own shop in Waukon.

An idea thought of more than four years ago has finally come to a splashing success - literally. After years of planning, fundraising and following guidelines set forth by various agencies involved, the Harpers Ferry Splash Pad is scheduled to officially open to the general public this Saturday, June 1 during a Grand Opening event planned at the new facility.

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) will be hosting a series of Health Fairs throughout northeast Iowa in early June. Each of the events will feature local vendors and serve as the kick-off for the distribution of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks. The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program provides qualified seniors aged 60 and over with coupons (checks) that can be exchanged at farmer’s markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs for fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey.

The checks can be used until October 31 at participating vendors. Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging will begin distributing Farmer’s Market Checks starting in June at various locations throughout the 18-county service area.

Eligible participants in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program must: