Community News

Waukon High School fall musical earns “Distinguished Scene Award” from IHSMTAP

The Waukon High School Musical Theatre Department, under the direction of Sarah J. Bieber and Sarah Hagen, is a member of the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards Program. This program is dedicated to the improvement and quality of high school musical theatre programs. During a performance, two to three judges from the Des Moines Performing Arts come to watch a live show, critique, and provide feedback to the cast. They comment on all aspects of a musical production such as individual singing, individual acting, individual choreography, accompaniment music, the set up of the stage, makeup/hair, lights/sound, the pit band, and on the ensemble as a whole.

For her performance as “Barfee” in the Waukon High School fall musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, Waukon High School senior Abby Wiemerslage was invited to participate in the Iowa High School Musical Theatre “Triple Threat” Awards Program, which recognizes students who are considered “triple threats” in the realm of musical theatre, demonstrating excellent acting, dancing and vocal talents. Wiemerslage was personally invited to participate in the “Triple Threat” program after receiving an “Outstanding Achievement” Award for her performance as “William Barfee” in Waukon High

School’s production this past fall of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” under the direction of Sarah J. Bieber and assistant director Sarah Hagen.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, May 23 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of the Third Reading of the RAGBRAI Ordinance LXII, consideration of two Secondary Road Department hires and consideration of adopting Amendment #9 to Zoning Ordinance L.

During Public Comment, Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) advised that The Standard newspaper has completed the Tri-State Area Community & Visitors’ Guide, a tourism guide being made available at locations in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, with Reinke adding that she will have this tourism guide available at the Iowa State Fair this summer. Reinke also briefly mentioned that Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker has a Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) tabletop exercise scheduled covering weather-related emergency planning.

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon will begin its Main Street Story Walk for 2022 in June featuring the children’s story “Can I be your dog?” by Troy Cummings. During the month of June families are encouraged to read this story at selected businesses as they stroll the downtown area. When joining in the fun, participants are reminded to be careful crossing the downtown streets for the safety and health of all. Seven selected businesses have a portion of the story posted in the front window of their establishment for viewing from the sidewalk. Each stop along the story walk will direct participants to the next location. Selected businesses are located on West Main Street and Spring Avenue and are labeled and numbered on the adjacent map at the following locations: 1. WAX by Amber; 2. Howards Home Furnishings; 3. Waukon State Bank; 4. Teslow’s Formal Wear; 5. J-Nails & Spa; 6. Mirror Images; 7. The Blend. Submitted image.
 

The Ludlow Future Farmers 4-H Club recently donated toward the Building New Traditions Campaign at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon. The 4-H club held a bake sale April 16 and raised $527.18 that was donated to the improvements campaign. For anyone who would like to make a donation to the fairground improvements project, further information and donation forms can be found on the Allamakee County Fair website at www.allamakeecountyfair.org. Submitted photo.

Vendor applications due June 8; Volunteer public forum June 15

RAGBRAI is coming to northeast Iowa in late July this year, and as the final tire-dip destination for the annual bike ride, Lansing will be needing a large number of volunteers for a variety of services. The volunteer experience offers the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who have traveled 453 miles across Iowa on their “Pedal to Paradise”.

Volunteers can choose to help for a morning, an afternoon or any allotted time that works for them from July 22-30. It’s ultimately up to the volunteer and their schedule.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, May 16. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Stone. Prior to approval of the consent agenda, council member Arvid Hatlan and Senior Project Manager Lyle TeKippe of Fehr Graham Engineering discussed a small asphalt area near the corner of First Avenue SW and Second Street that has yet to be repaired as part of the 2021 Street Improvement Project. Hatlan and TeKippe further discussed drainage issues to be addressed, with the Resolution accepting work covering the 2021 Street Improvement Project and the 2021 Street Improvement Project, Skyline Construction approval of Final Pay Estimate #7 consent agenda items both being moved to later in the meeting agenda to allow for discussion. The amended consent agenda was approved.

by Julie Berg-Raymond

The City of New Albin broke ground on its long-awaited new wastewater treatment plant Wednesday, May 4. Among those tossing the first ceremonial shovels of dirt was George Blair, Council member and Mayor Pro Tem, the guiding force behind a project that has been many years in the planning.

Attending the event were council members, contractors, city maintenance employees and other people instrumental in bringing the project to fruition – by, for example, conducting research and securing funding.

The Corner of Hope Growing Hope Globally growing project held its annual Blessing of the Seed and Soil Saturday morning, April 30 to kick off the 2022 growing season. The event was held at the field contributed to this year’s growing project by Dave Prestemon. Pastor Kim Gates of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Forest Mills United Methodist Church performed this year’s blessing. The local project is nearing two decades of combating world hunger through local growing efforts. Submitted photo.

From community wellness projects to outdoor recreation, rural communities and nonprofits will receive much needed support for community-enhancing projects thanks to the Allamakee County Community Foundation. The Community Foundation awarded $110,000 in grants to area nonprofits during an April celebration in Waterville.

“Thank you for being involved, and thank you for recommitting to better lives in our communities,” Betty Steege, Foundation coordinator, told leaders who attended the event. Steege reflected on the impact the Foundation is able to make for entire communities and individuals thanks to the support of local donors.

Grants were awarded to: