Community News

Identity theft is a significant problem and if it has not happened to an individual directly, then they likely know someone who has been victimized. While identity theft can happen to anyone, there are some things that can be done to reduce the risk. Proper disposal, at the right time, of documents and items that contain personal, confidential information is key to protection.

Waukon State Bank offers a free shredding service once a month to help community members safely dispose of their confidential information. Some of the following items that may contain personal information should be considered for shredding, once their recommended retention has passed, including bank statements, expired credit or debit cards, credit card offers, paycheck stubs, canceled checks from years past, medical or legal information, along with anything that contains financial information or personal identification, such as social security number or signature.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Wednesday, December 27 due to the Christmas holiday being observed both on the board's regular Monday meeting day and the following day, December 25 and 26. The board addressed a full agenda of items including the Fiscal-Year 2019 Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) funding request, the consideration of appointments to County Boards and Commissions and the approval of the Green Valley Bridge plans.

Chairperson Larry Schellhammer called the meeting to order with the current agenda and meeting minutes of December 18 being approved. During Public Comment, Jane Regan with Upper Iowa Insurance provided an overview of Allamakee County's Workers' Compensation insurance and discussed that a dividend check for $16,673.00 has been issued to the County.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 64 of Waukon collected toys at their December Pack meeting for donation to the Allamakee Giving Tree sponsored by the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) Allamakee County Family Service Office prior to the Christmas holiday. The donated toys pictured in photos at right were taken by the Cub Scouts to the NEICAC office in Waukon, where they were distributed to families in need for Christmas. Submitted photos.
 

Monday, December 18, the Waukon Police Department received a report of checks returned to local businesses in Waukon from their financial institution because they were reported as forged. After completing an investigation, 40-year-old Jill Marie Schroeder of Prairie Du Chien, WI was charged with five counts of forgery, each being a class D felony, and five counts of theft. An arrest warrant was issued for Schroeder on these charges.

Saturday, December 23, the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office and the Lansing/ New Albin Police Department took Schroeder into custody in Lansing on the arrest warrant. A criminal charge is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The top three winners of the viewer’s choice Gingerbread House Decorating Contest sponsored by the Robey Memorial Library Foundation were recently announced. A total of 17 displays were entered in the contest in early December and library patrons voted on their top choices over a several week period. The entries that received the top three vote totals are pictured above and at left in the surrounding photos with the individuals who created them, including Ashlee Thorstenson (top far left), Diana Torres (immediate left) and Natalie Byrnes (top right above). Each of the three top vote recipients received an Amazon Fire 7 tablet from the Robey Memorial Library Foundation. Submitted photos.
 

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, December 18 to address a full agenda of items including the City application for the Community Catalyst Grant, discussion of changing the Hotel/Motel disbursement percentages from 75% to 50% for Park Improvements and Police Department evidence storage. The Public Hearing on rezoning a parcel from “R-2” to “M-1” was opened and closed without any written or verbal comment.

During Public Comment, Coordinator Ardie Kuhse with Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) briefly mentioned WEDC’s proposal for commercial tax rebates. Under Departmental Reports, Park and Rec Wellness Director Jeremy Strub discussed that the Wellness Center traffic volume is picking up and that the winter youth programming is beginning.

Elliott Jewelers of Waukon recently conducted a fund raising raffle to benefit the Joe O'Neill family of Waukon as he continues to receive treatment for cancer. The raffle drawing involved a chance to win a diamond pendant donated by John and Shelly Elliott of Elliott Jewelers that included a one-carat princess cut diamond set in a 14-karat gold mounting on an 18-inch yellow gold chain. "Shelly and I would like to thank everyone who participated and purchased tickets in our fundraising raffle for Joe and his family. We put things in motion by donating the diamond and advertising the fundraiser; but everyone who showed their support made it possible and a great success," shared John Elliott. "Joe has been a good friend to us, and a great mentor and coach for our daughter, Lauren, in her softball career; continuing to help her even through his treatments. In small communities like ours, you just help people.

Goodfellas Riding Club, through the generosity of its supporters and the surrounding communities during fundraisers and other events, was able to donate funds and gifts to several different local organizations recently. Pictured above at the presentation of a donation of $500 to the Allamakee County Food Shelf to help purchase food supplies  for area families are, left to right, James Riley of Goodfellas Riding Club, Wayne Burk of the Allamakee County Food Shelf and Kyle Johnson of Goodfellas Riding Club. Pictured in center photo at the presentation of a $500 donation to the Norma Flage Children's Health Fund that helps school nurses from the Allamakee Community School District obtain coats, hats, mittens and other various items for school children are, left to right, Allamakee Community School District Nurse Karen Burke, James Riley and Kyle Johnson of Goodfellas Riding Club and Allamakee Community School District Nurse Kathy Wood.

by Joe Moses

Newlyweds Logan and Mariah Fogt of Waukon recently completed work on a small home, nicknamed "Oliver the Tiny House" and built upon a flatbed trailer. The idea began with the couple as they explored the possibility of converting a school bus into a motor home, allowing for travel and extended visits.

As plans and the concept evolved, the Fogts decided to build a small house upon a flatbed trailer, providing greater customization of storage and living space in comparison to a traditional camper or motor home.

Logan Fogt worked on the wooden-framed building in his spare time after his regular full-time job, starting July 1 of this year and completing the project November 1. The 24-foot long house measures 174 square feet, excluding the loft areas - one of which is used as a sleeping area. Included within the home's floor plan is a kitchen, living room space and bathroom.

Friday, December 8, the Waukon Police Department conducted a search warrant at 204 Fourth Avenue NW in Waukon. As a result of the search, numerous arrests were made on a variety of drug-related charges and another search warrant was also executed in the New Albin area, leading to further arrests and charges.

At the initial search location in Waukon, 53- year-old William Evans of Waukon was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a narcotic. Nathan Klein, age 30, of Mechanicsville was also arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.