Community News

by Brianne Eilers

It’s not too late for Waukon residents to take advantage of the Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Grant for owner-occupied homeowners in the City of Waukon. Eighteen local homeowners have already taken advantage of the program and have had help with their windows/doors, roofs, electrical, furnace, driveway repair and/or some past flood mitigation help. These homeowners have stated that they are highly satisfied with the program and the help they were able to receive.
The Waukon Economic Development Corporation and the Federal Home Loan Bank are announcing that approximately $80,000 is left in the program. This program will finance projects through a five-year receding forgivable loan and funding limits per project are set at $7,000 per project. Homeowners needing some “fix-up” help are encouraged to check the program out yet this summer.  Funding will only be available through the fall of 2014.

WW Homestead Dairy in Waukon was honored by a visit from Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds Thursday, June 26. WW Homestead co-owner Tom Weighner said that the visit was part of the Governor's commitment to visit each of Iowa's 99 counties once a year. Weighner said that he had met with Lt. Governor Reynolds during his involvement with the "Dream Big Grow Here" competition and that she had suggested to the Governor that the dairy processing facility and retail store would be a good stop to make. Weighner said that he and the Governor discussed the benefits the facility has brought to the county in terms of economic development and jobs, noting that the endeavor was partially made possible by approximately $75,000 in state grants and loans for start-up equipment. He said he also spoke with the Governor about unreasonable regulations that burden businesses and the economy.

Waukon will launch this year’s “Waukon Corn Days End of Summer Celebration,” an enhanced version of the traditional Corn Days celebration held each year. The 2014 event is scheduled to include three days and nights of family enjoyment, commencing Friday, August 15 and lasting through Sunday, August 17.
The trademark of this event is the Waukon Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Corn Days Meal, but Waukon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Stephanie Dugan says that with the help and hard work of many local businesses this year’s celebration is planned to be extra special.

by Bob Beach

Waukon’s Boy Scout Troop 64 is contributing to a sustainable future by helping to fight litter and save valuable resources with its first “Can Round-Up” fundraiser. The proceeds obtained from recycling used beverage aluminum cans and plastic bottles will support funding a Boy Scout High Adventure trip in July. Scouts will accept donations of beverage cans and plastic bottles (with Iowa redemption) Saturday, June 28 from 8 a.m. until  12 noon at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon. Supplemental funds provided by Thrivent Financial - Allamakee County Chapter.
 

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon will host the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium program “Creative Chemistry” Tuesday, June 24 at 3:30 p.m. Area individuals are invited to take part in the program to discover colorful and surprising reactions in the world of chemistry.
The program includes a hands-on-activity for all participants. The program is recommended for all ages and all are welcome to attend. For further information contact the library at 563-568-4424 or www.waukon.lib.ia.us.
 

by Bob Beach

by Brianne Eilers

Lowell Kuck is making it his mission to help others "sleep well", as his business, Sleep Well Adjustable Beds, provides power foundation beds plus in-home high/low medical beds, which have only been available to facilities in the past. Kuck and his wife, Diane, settled north of Decorah near Highlandville almost nine years ago. They are no strangers to home-based businesses, as they also grow commercial garlic seed and Diane is a quilt pattern designer.
After asking each other numerous times, "Did you sleep well last night?", they realized that that would be a perfect name for their business. "I am really excited about this new retail business model," said Kuck. "Consumers don't know what type of bed to purchase when medical needs arise, when they have a chronic condition, or when they are sleep deprived. In the past they had no options but a regular flat bed. I offer high/low, head up/foot up adjustable beds with numerous options."