Community News

Four churches and one municipal government in Allamakee County recently completed significant solar energy projects with assistance from free energy planning services provided by the Allamakee Energy District (AED).

The City of New Albin recently finished construction of an 83-kilowatt (kW) ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array to help power its new, award-winning Algaewheel® wastewater treatment facility. The solar array was installed by Blue Sky Solar and financed by New Albin Savings Bank. The system is sized to generate approximately 100–110% of the facility’s annual electricity consumption.

George Blair, New Albin City Council member and Mayor Pro-Tem, emphasized both the economic and environmental rationale behind the project. Blair said, “Solar is the cheapest form of energy - with or without subsidies. The cost savings will reduce the infrastructure cost for the citizens of New Albin.”

Brigid Whalen, RN, recently joined SouthCrest Manor II Assisted Living in Waukon as an Assisted Living Registered Nurse that is part of the care team serving the facility’s tenants. After graduating from Waukon High School in 2019, the former Brigid Berns earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI.

Whalen brings nursing experience from both clinic and hospital settings to her new position and say she has always had a passion for working with the geriatric population. She is especially excited to build lasting relationships with long-term residents and support their health and well-being.

Whalen lives just outside of Waukon with her husband, Ryan, and their daughter, Caroline. A lifelong Waukon resident, she enjoys reading, staying active, spending time outdoors (especially on the water), and embracing all the joys of motherhood.
 

Students and families are encouraged to spend some time at Robey Memorial Library in Waukon during the Winter Break from school. Besides its collections of reading materials for all ages, Robey Memorial Library is offering special activities for students and families this Winter Break.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, December 22 to address a full agenda of matters including an update and funding request from Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation, the consideration of bids relating to the Patterson Creek Bridge project, and discussion of County Courthouse security related matters. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Tom Clark and Dennis Keatley present.

by Julie Berg-Raymond

About 20 people attended the December session of “Let’s Talk Bridges!” at the Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library Thursday evening, December 11.

Present to talk about recent steel work on the new bridge, and to provide information about the demolition of the existing bridge (originally scheduled for this Thursday, December 18, at or about 9:30 a.m., but as of a late announcement Monday, December 15 that date has been pushed back a day to Friday, December 19) were Clayton Burke, project manager, with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), and Aaron Rosenbery, project manager, with Kraemer North America (contractor on the bridge project).

The family-friendly monthly series - which is focused on learning about and celebrating the new bridge project at Lansing - is open to the public. “Let’s Talk Bridges!” sessions are held at the library the second Thursday of every month, from 5 to 6 p.m.

Midwest based piano and violin duo Kevin and Heidi Cheng will be performing at Center Baptist Church, 1555 Trout Rd., Lansing, Tuesday, December 23 at 6 p.m. This concert will be part of the Center Baptist Church’s Christmas Service with treat bags and refreshments to follow the music performance. All are welcome to attend this service and special music event.
 

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, December 15 to address several matters including the consideration of a City Facade Improvement Grant application, a scheduled goal setting work session, and the consideration of approving the hire of a police officer. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Steve Wiedner, Nicholas Engrav, Dave Blocker and John Lydon. Council member Tim Smedsrud joined the meeting later during the Goal Setting Work Session.

There was no Public Comment with the meeting then moving into Department Reports. Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noted that he did not have an update at this time.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, December 15 to address a full agenda of matters including an update relating to the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund, the consideration of hiring an E911 dispatcher/corrections officer, and a programming update from Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Tom Clark present.

During Public Comment, Executive Director Rachelle Howe with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC), County Auditor Denise Beyer and the Supervisors discussed recent training sessions in response to legislative updates relating to open meeting requirements including custodial responsibilities relating to meeting minutes and allowing public attendance both in-person and via Zoom web-conferencing.

This Saturday, December 13 at 10 a.m., the Allamakee County Veterans Museum in Waukon will present a program on the Christmas Truce of 1914 which occurred in France during World War I. The special presentation will take place at the museum located at 105 Allamakee Street in Waukon. Tours of the Allamakee County Veterans Museum will also be offered until 12 noon that day. The public is invited to attend. There is no admission charge.
 

Greg and Donna Brink of Waukon celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary Thursday, December 4 in a unique way that provides evidence of the love, caring and support that has been their foundation for 43 years of marriage. To help commemorate the day of their wedding that took place in 1982 - 43 years ago, the Brinks donated 43 one-pound packages of hamburger to the Allamakee County Food Shelf on the day of their anniversary. Pictured at right, left to right, at the donation presentation are Greg and Donna Brink making the donation presentation to Julie Rotach of the Allamakee County Food Shelf.