Community News

King of Grace Lutheran Church in Waukon will be hosting an event at the Waukon City Park Sunday, October 11 called “Pumpkins in the Park.” All community members are invited to join King of Grace Lutheran Church for an afternoon of fall fun at the Waukon City Park in the Jaycee shelter from 2-4:30 p.m. that October 11 afternoon. There will be pumpkin decorating, games, a fall photo opportunity, face painting,  treats, petting zoo, balloon animals, and door prizes from local businesses. There will be free pumpkins to decorate and take home. This is a free event for all ages. Join in community fun for the whole family. Visit the King of Grace Lutheran Church - Waukon IA Facebook page for more information. Submitted photo.
 

Two of the global causes that Lions Clubs International focuses on are youth and reducing hunger. Lions Clubs strive to help youth to have healthy, productive lives and have access to nutritious foods. With this in mind, the Waukon Lions Club donated $500 to the Allamakee Community Schools Milk Program September 14 of this year. Donations such as this are made possible by the generous support the Waukon Lions Club receives from the community. Pictured above at the check presentation to the Allamakee Community Schools Food Service Program are, left to right, Waukon Lions Club members Tom and Rosean Phipps and Allamakee Community Schools Food Service administrative staff Kay Gavin and Jessica Keenan. Submitted photo.
 

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, October 5 to address a short agenda of matters including the consideration of the First Reading of a City Ordinance update changing the Robey Memorial Library budget submittal and the review of a Board of Adjustment variance approval, among other updates and discussion.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Cassie Handke, Nicholas Engrav, Tim Smedsrud, John Lydon and Steve Wiedner.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, October 5 to address a full agenda of matters including discussion of the County’s website and Emergency Management information, the discussion and consideration of Solid Waste Department personnel matters, and the consideration of an appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission.

The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisors Dan Byrnes and Dennis Keatley present. During Public Comment, Chairperson Clark noted that this is the last meeting County Auditor Denise Beyer will be attending following her acceptance of a position outside of Allamakee County.

The Wow! Who Knew? Summit invites area residents to discover fascinating people, inspiring projects, interesting activities, and unexpected opportunities to get involved right here in their own backyard.

This free community open house will take place Thursday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Works, located at 274 Main Street in Lansing.

Sponsored by Connected For Good, the summit brings together individuals, organizations, and community groups from across Allamakee County and the surrounding region to share what they’re passionate about and to invite others to join in.

Allamakee County Ideas Week 2026 is happening October 5-9 at The Works Coworking & Coaching in Lansing - and every workshop event is free and designed to educate, connect, and inspire local residents throughout Allamakee County, each one full of ideas for all.

Hosted by The Works, in partnership with Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED), this sixth annual weeklong event will feature dynamic speakers, practical workshops, and 1:1 coaching for those looking to make an impact on their communities throughout the county. Workshops and coaching also include refreshments from area restaurants and food entrepreneurs.

Iowa KidSight is dedicated to enhancing the early detection and treatment of vision impairments in young children in Iowa communities through screening and public education. It is a joint project of the Lions Clubs of Iowa and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Two of the Lions Clubs International global causes are Vision and Youth. These vision screenings address both causes.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, September 28 to address a short agenda of matters including the Public Hearing for the Fiscal-Year 2027 (FY27) Allamakee County Budget Amendment for the Victim Witness Coordinator Grant, in addition to other items relating to this budget-related matter. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisor Dennis Keatley present. Supervisor Dan Byrnes was not present due to a scheduled absence.

There was no comment during the Public Comment portion of the meeting. Following the time allotted for Public Comment, the meeting moved into the Public Hearing for the Fiscal-Year 2027 (FY27) Allamakee County Budget Amendment for the Victim Witness Coordinator (VWC) Grant. The Public Hearing was opened and closed with no written or verbal comments received.

Northeast Iowa Mental Health Center (Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health) began providing mental health services in northeast Iowa in May of 1956. In December of 1972 services expanded to include a substance use disorder treatment program. Throughout its history the focus of the agency has been the mission of promoting recovery and quality of life for the residence of northeast Iowa.

Join NEIBH in celebrating 70 years October 15, for their annual meeting and open house honoring employees and their commitment to our mission. The Annual Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. at the main office, 905 Montgomery Street, Decorah.

The Open House is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feel free to join NEIBH in recognizing the dedication and hard work of their employees over the last 70 years.

Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health is a private non-profit organization licensed and accredited by the State of Iowa and CARF. NEIBH is a safety net provider for all individuals seeking assistance.

The Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative (ACEC) members elected two newcomers and one incumbent to its Board of Directors following ACEC’s 88th Annual Meeting held Monday, September 14. The new board will select its officers at its September 28 regular monthly meeting.

In District A, Cindy Heffern, Harpers Ferry, was the lone incumbent board member elected. She has been a member of the ACEC board since 2017. Also in District A, Dan Byrnes, Waukon, received the second most votes, earning a spot on the board. Kerry Troendle, Waukon, was also on the ballot in District A. Michael Gibbs, Waterville, chose not to seek re-election this year after serving for 18 years on the ACEC Board.

In District C, Peggy Connor, Farmersburg, defeated incumbent Greg Formanek, also of Farmersburg. Formanek had been on the board since 2021.