Community News

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, August 10 to address a full agenda of items including the consideration of signing a grant application for the 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program, consideration of an outdoor display at the Allamakee County Historical Society Museum and consideration of an agreement relating to the restructuring of the current Iowa Workforce Development region.

The Waukon Police Department had several of its members officially sworn into new positions prior to the start of the Monday, August 3 meeting of the Waukon City Council. In the top photo, Dustin Harrington (left) is sworn in by Waukon Mayor Pat Stone (right). Harrington is a 2012 graduate of Waukon High School. He will be attending the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy starting August 31 with a return date of December 18 before taking part in the Field Training Officer program.

A “museum on wheels” presentation featuring the foundations of and comparisons between modern day issues and their similarities to events and issues from 100 years ago will be taking place this Thursday and Friday, August 13 and 14 in neighboring communities. “Hidden or Forbidden No More: Prequels to the ‘Greatest Generation,’ 1914-39” examines, among other topics, how Midwesterners reacted to two “plagues” - one viral, the other social.

One of the featured presentations and tours is scheduled to take place Thursday, August 13 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. in the parking lot behind Oneota Food Co-op, located at 312 West Water Street in Decorah. Another showing is scheduled for Friday, August 14 in Prairie du Chien, WI from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Lawler Park, located at 430 North Water Street at the north shelter.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, August 3 to address a full agenda of items including the consideration of a bid for asphalt resurfacing of Waterville Road (X32), receiving a new Flood Plain Management Ordinance from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Zoning/Flood Administrator, and a request for a Zoning District Map amendment.

During Public Comment, Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) provided an update relating to several recent and upcoming events within the county including the ATV/UTV Pirate’s Road Rally held Saturday, August 1 that involved 52 ATV/UTVs. Reinke also provided an update relating to Lid’s Bar and Grill in Waukon, which was scheduled to open Tuesday, August 4 for to-go orders. Reinke discussed the Homes for Iowa program, which trains incarcerated individuals in construction and produces affordable housing.

Main Street Story Walk, hosted by Robey Memorial Library in Waukon, continues in August with the popular children’s story “When a Monster is Born” by Sean Taylor. Families are encouraged to read the book as they stroll the downtown area. Eight selected businesses have a portion of the story posted in the front window of their establishment for viewing from the sidewalk. Selected locations are on Main Street, First Avenue NW and First Street NW and are labeled accordingly in the map above: 1. Freedom Bank; 2. Side Street Cycles; 3. JaDecc’S, Inc.; 4. Darold Berger Masonry; 5. Epic Wear; 6. Rockweilers Appliance; 7. Things For You; 8. Macy’s Cutting Edge. Main Street Story Walk will continue with a new story and locations next month.

Participants are reminded to continue to practice social distancing measures and to also practice good safety measures in crossing all streets involved in making the Story Walk trek. Submitted map image.
 

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in special session Monday, July 27 at the Waukon Wellness Center to address a short agenda of items including a tour of development sites, discussion of development issues and approval of a resolution for the proposed disposition of interest in a property.

The meeting was called to order at the Waukon Wellness Center with the consent agenda including routine financial transfers being approved by the council. Mayor Pat Stone recused himself before the next agenda item with Mayor Pro-Tem Gayle Decker assuming leadership of the meeting for that item.

Allamakee County Farm Bureau Vice President Melissa Wedo (left) presents the second donation of Allamakee County Farm Bureau’s three-year donation commitment to the Allamakee County Fair to Fair Board President Tyler Plein (right). The donated funding from Allamakee County Farm Bureau has been used for improvements to the dairy barn and 4-H food stand expenses at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon. Submitted photo.

Friday, July 24, the new Dollar Fresh store in Waukon distributed more than 3,800 free apples during a contactless, drive-thru giveaway event. During the event, apples were loaded directly into customer vehicles to minimize physical contact and maintain social distancing. The giveaway was made possible thanks to Dollar Fresh’s fruit supplier, who donated the apples in light of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In total, 380 customers received 10 apples for a donation equaling approximately 1,150 pounds.

“It’s a privilege to partner with our longtime friends at Dollar Fresh to share nutritious Stemilt apples with Dollar Fresh customers during these unprecedented times,” said West Mathison, president for Stemilt.

Main Street Story Walk, hosted by Robey Memorial Library in Waukon, continues in August with the popular children’s story “When a Monster is Born” by Sean Taylor. Families are encouraged to read the book as they stroll the downtown area. Eight selected businesses have a portion of the story posted in the front window of their establishment for viewing from the sidewalk. Selected locations are on Main Street, First Avenue NW and First Street NW and are labeled accordingly in the map above: 1. Freedom Bank; 2. Side Street Cycles; 3. JaDecc’S, Inc.; 4. Darold Berger Masonry; 5. Epic Wear; 6. Rockweilers Appliance; 7. Things For You; 8. Macy’s Cutting Edge.

Main Street Story Walk will continue with a new story and locations next month.

Participants are reminded to continue to practice social distancing measures and to also practice good safety measures in crossing all streets involved in making the Story Walk trek. Submitted map image.
 

Nine Allamakee County 4-H youth recently showcased their talents by competing in various communications and clothing events during the Expressions Day Program held at the Allamakee County Extension Office Monday, June 29. Some of those presenters are pictured in the surrounding submitted photos.

Some of those 4-H’ers participated in Educational Presentations where they were judged on stage presence, vocal projection, organization, visual aids, educational value of topic, and how well they kept their audience interested as they present their information. Local 4-H’ers who participated included Natalie Byrnes, Tegan Dahlstrom, Breelyn Dahlstrom and Hailey Stein.