Community News

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at the New Albin Public Library as part of its annual schedule of offsite meeting locations away from the County Courthouse. The Supervisors addressed a full agenda of matters including updates relating to the New Albin community, discussion and consideration of a solid waste contract, and the discussion and consideration of a county vehicle. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Dan Byrnes present.

During Public Comment, Gary Bottorff of Lansing questioned the Supervisors about the status of the replacement flagpole on the eastern portion of the County Courthouse grounds. Clark noted that this replacement, made necessary due to storm damage, is anticipated to take place soon with the contractor having received the replacement flagpole.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, September 21 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of approving the Functional Design Professional Services Agreement with MSA for the 1st Street NE Reconstruction Project, consideration of approving pay application #1 for the 1st Avenue SE Reconstruction Project, and the Public Hearing relating to the proposed sale of city-owned property at 219 4th Street NE. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Steve Wiedner, Nicholas Engrav, Cassie Cahoon and John Lydon.

During Public Comment, Kent Sweeney, owner of Side Street Cycles, questioned the council about a variety of matters relating to garbage collection, dumpsters and the pick-up of large items like furniture in consideration of a potential switch to a new service provider being discussed.

This Friday, September 18, at 12 noon, the Lansing VFW Post and Auxiliary, along with Lansing American Legion Post #50, will host a special ceremony on Mt. Hosmer to mark National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The program will be held on the Ralph Bartels Patio, located next to the shelter atop Mt. Hosmer, and the public is warmly invited to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for seating.

At the heart of the observance will be the solemn Missing Man Ceremony, a symbolic tradition that honors those who are still missing from this nation’s past wars and conflicts, as well as those who gave their lives in service but whose remains have not yet been recovered and returned home. The empty place at the table at the ceremony represents the absence of these heroes, while each element of the table setting carries deep meaning about sacrifice, honor, and remembrance.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Tuesday, September 8 following the Monday, September 7 Labor Day holiday to address a full agenda of matters. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Steve Wiedner, John Lydon, Nicholas Engrav and Tim Smedsrud.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met twice within a week’s time following the Labor Day holiday Monday, September 7 with regular session meetings held Tuesday, September 8 and Monday, September 14. Coverage of both of those meetings appears below.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
The Tuesday, September 8 meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Dan Byrnes present. During Public Comment, Executive Director Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) provided an update relating to upcoming events within the county.

Following the time allotted for Public Comment, the meeting moved into consideration of the Second Reading of Amendment #21 to Zoning Ordinance L and the Zoning District of the Official Zoning Map of Allamakee County.

Waukon City Clerk Sarah Snitker has successfully earned her Certified Municipal Clerk Certification through the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association (IMFOA), demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence in municipal financial management and professional development.

The IMFOA state certification program is designed to ensure continuous educational commitment among municipal professionals, helping establish and maintain competent administration for city governments across the state of Iowa. Through a structured curriculum, participants complete coursework covering areas such as budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance.

Courses are offered regularly as part of the certification program and include both foundational training for municipal officials and advanced instruction for city clerks and finance officers. Individuals may pursue certification in several professional tracks.

First Baptist Church, 614 Rossville Road in Waukon, will be hosting Rock Hill, SC based musicians Niah and Allisha Merrill in concert Sunday, September 13 at 10 a.m.

Niah and Allisha Merrill are classically trained musicians with a passion to see lives changed by the power of the Gospel. Since 2016, this dynamic duo has shared God’s love through music across the United States and  abroad in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Niah and Allisha both sing and play several instruments (including piano, trumpets, flugelhorn, hand drums, and Irish penny whistles) in an uplifting blend of modern and timeless styles. More information about the Merrills is available at NiahAllisha.com.
 

by Brianne Grimstad

The month of July was a busy month for Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon, which was also reflected in the financial statistics for the month, according to numbers shared at the August meeting of the VMH Board of Trustees. The hospital ended the month with a Net Operating Income of $83,197.

After adding in non-operating revenue and tax appropriations, the hospital ended the month with a Net Income of $207,228. “This shows that if we get people in the door, we can make good things happen financially,” Interim VMH Administrator Garith Steiner noted.

Steiner further explained that for the month of July, comparing the actual Net Income compared to the budgeted Net Income, there is a difference of a little over $249,000, and the hospital had expected to lose some money during the month. The total operating margin had been budgeted at 1.4%, and in actuality it came in at 3.4%.

AWANA stands for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed” of the Gospel of Christ, derived from 1 Timothy 2:15 in the Bible. First Baptist Church of Waukon, 614 Rossville Rd., offers this youth program to children of all ages and religious backgrounds to learn Bible verses and to enjoy game-time and council time. AWANA reaches 11 million kids in 140 countries. The first night of AWANA at First Baptist Church is Wednesday, September 9 from 6:15 p.m. - 8 p.m. under the direction of Co-Commanders, Mike and Diane Roth. Feel free to call the church office at 563-568-2225 with any questions or to enroll your child in this program. AWANA meets weekly each Wednesday in accordance with the school calendar year.
 

Friday, September 18, at 12 noon, the Lansing VFW Post and Auxiliary, along with Lansing American Legion Post #50, will host a special ceremony on Mt. Hosmer to mark National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The program will be held on the Ralph Bartels Patio, located next to the shelter atop Mt. Hosmer, and the public is warmly invited to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for seating.

At the heart of the observance will be the solemn Missing Man Ceremony, a symbolic tradition that honors those who are still missing from this nation’s past wars and conflicts, as well as those who gave their lives in service but whose remains have not yet been recovered and returned home. The empty place at the table at the ceremony represents the absence of these heroes, while each element of the table setting carries deep meaning about sacrifice, honor, and remembrance.