Community News

A pair of buildings on the initial block of Allamakee Street in downtown Waukon were destroyed in a Sunday, February 13 evening fire. The structures housing Tin, Rust & Harmony (right) and Paws Up Pet Supplies (left) were completely destroyed in the blaze that reportedly originated in the Tin, Rust & Harmony building at 9 Allamakee Street, with smoke and water damage affecting adjacent buildings. As pictured above, the scene of the blaze has been fenced off for public safety and to facilitate the ongoing investigation by the State of Iowa Fire Marshal’s Office. When asked for comment at the fire scene Friday, February 25, a pair of representatives from the State Fire Marshal’s Office who preferred to not be identified would only state that an investigation is ongoing and that the investigation process is currently “at the mercy of insurance right now”.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, February 28 to address a full agenda of matters including discussion of a proposed County Facade Program utilizing American Rescue Plan funding, the Public Hearing for the County FY23 Maximum Levy/Property Tax Dollars and the consideration of setting a date and time for the Public Hearing for the FY23 County Budget.

The three young Allamakee County 4-H members pictured above had the idea of hosting a bake sale to raise funds for the new Livestock Show Barn being planned for construction at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon. The three got together for a fun day of baking, promoted their sale, and were able to raise $800 in free-will donations which they presented to the Allamakee County Fair Board Sunday night, February 20. They stated that their top-selling bake sale item was their puppy chow. Pictured above, left to right, are McKenzie Leiran, Hailey Cook and Lauren Plein. All three say they are excited to show their livestock projects in the new show barn once it is completed. Submitted photo.

Plans have been announced to hold the 2022 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Waukon Sunday, March 13. All are invited to participate in this year’s parade with an Irish-themed entry at no cost. Further details of the annual event will be printed as they become finalized.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, February 21 to address a full agenda of items including discussion and direction on the City’s Employee Policy Handbook, a report on the Water System and the Public Hearing: Ordinance Changing the Zoning District Classification for the Pladsen Addition. Discussion also took place regarding removal of the buildings destroyed in the February 13 fire on Allamakee Street.

There was no Public Comment. Executive Director Laurie Adrian with the Waukon Chamber of Commerce introduced herself as the new executive director with that organization.

Under Department Reports, Police Chief Paul Wagner noted that the Waukon Police Department has been busy. Wagner advised that training will be taking place this week relating to mental health and Narcan, medication used in the emergency treatment of opioid overdoses.

The Waukon Music Department will be hosting the 12th annual Pops Concert this Friday night, February 25 at the Waukon Middle School gymnasium. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with concert time at 7 p.m. The Pops Concert is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Allamakee Music Boosters, and it features high energy musical numbers from the 1950s through today. Groups performing will include the high school and middle school choirs, high school and middle school jazz bands, drumline, featured soloists, song and dance skits and emcees.

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families is hosting a bowl-a-thon Saturday, March 19 at Skyline Lanes in Decorah. This event aims to raise $7,000 to connect youth in Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek counties with a mentor.

Currently, 75 people are involved in Youth Mentoring at Helping Services. Now is the time to strike up a conversation with friends, neighbors, club members and co-workers to form a team to bowl. Proceeds support those youth and adults being friends in mentoring, and involvement can happen in two important ways: register to bowl and/or donate to the cause.

The Waukon Music Department will be hosting its 12th annual Pops Concert Friday night, February 25 at the Waukon Middle School gymnasium. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with concert time set for 7 p.m.

The Pops Concert is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Allamakee Music Boosters. The Pops Concert features high energy musical numbers from the 1950s through today. Groups performing will include the high school and middle school choirs, high school and middle school jazz bands, drumline, featured soloists, song and dance skits and emcees.

Monday, February 28 will be a day devoted to raising awareness for suicide prevention in Waukon and the surrounding community, as the Alive and Running Iowa organization will conduct a pair of events aimed at helping save lives and reducing suicidal behaviors.

Alive & Running Iowa began as a running event held annually in the small Iowa town of Dunkerton but has grown into a non-profit organization to help raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention. Co-founders Troy Belmer and Ryan Nesbit organized Alive & Running Iowa in 2009 in honor of their friend, Roger, who they lost to suicide when they were sophomores at Dunkerton High School in 1991.

Since then, in addition to conducting the annual running event in their hometown, the two also make presentations and work with numerous other agencies toward that same goal of suicide awareness and prevention.

The Iowa Holstein Association will hold its annual meeting and convention at the Empty Nest Winery Saturday, February 26, beginning with a 6 p.m. social hour. The banquet and awards will take place at 7 p.m.

Guest speaker will be Waukon High School graduate Parker Hesse, who played tight end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League this past season and will share his perspective on how his motivation to play football correlates to the dairy farmer. Tickets can be reserved by contacting Lynnette Lyons at 563-419-1256 or by email at lyonsdl@acegroup.cc.