Community News

The Iowa State Patrol has released information regarding the October 14 single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of Waukon native and Iowa State Patrol Trooper Ted Benda, age 37. The report indicates that Trooper Benda swerved to miss a deer and could not regain control of his vehicle, resulting in the crash that critically injured him and ultimately claimed his life October 20.

The report shared Friday, November 12 by the Iowa State Patrol says that a deer ran on to the roadway from the west in front of Trooper Benda’s Dodge Charger patrol car as he was traveling southbound on State Highway 51 about six miles north of Postville around 11:30 p.m. that mid-October night. The report further explains that Trooper Benda took evasive driving action to avoid the deer but his vehicle lost traction, entering the roadway ditch to the east, hitting an embankment on the driver side and rolling before coming to rest on the vehicle’s driver side.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, November 15 to address a full agenda of items. There was no Public Comment and the meeting moved into Department Reports.

Park, Rec and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub provided an update advising that the Waukon City Park has closed up for the season and that winter season programs are beginning with basketball. Strub advised that use of the Wellness Center has picked up with cooler temperatures. He also discussed a grant through the State of Iowa relating to lost revenue calculated at $77,778 between 2019 and 2020 with the grant awarding $58,333 to compensate for that lost revenue.

Benefit event for U.S. Army veteran this Saturday

by Lissa Blake

In the years since U.S. Army veteran Jean Brink moved back to Waukon, she has questioned whether it was a good decision for her and her family. “I missed the military. I missed the city. I’ve asked myself so many times, ‘Why did we move back here?’” she said. But in February of this year, when Jean was diagnosed with Stage 3 metastatic breast cancer (HR positive/HER 2 negative), the answer became clear. “When I got sick, I realized this is where God wanted me. This is where I needed to be. There was a plan,” she said. “I don’t think there is anywhere else I could live in the world where I would get the support I needed.”

Mr. & Mrs. Andy Gassman and family of Big Lake, MN and Mr. & Mrs. Garrieth Franks of Oelwein hosted a Quilt of Valor presentation and reception for Duane Franks of Waukon earlier this year. Jan Franks, Quilt Of Valor volunteer, provided information about the Quilt Of Valor’s history and purpose, then awarded a Villa Rose Honor Quilt to Duane Franks (in photo at right) as an expression of gratitude and thanks for his service, sacrifice and valor in serving this nation and its people.

The Allamakee County Veterans Museum will celebrate Veterans Day by offering three programs to the public in the Program Room (pictured at right) of its new museum in the former Vet’s Club building on Allamakee Street in Waukon.

Thursday, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. a video interview with World War II Army veteran Lynn Morrow recorded in 2006 will be presented, followed by a video documentary about the U,S, Navy battleship USS Iowa, BB-61.

Saturday, November 13 at 10 a.m. a video interview with World War II Navy nurse Harriet Hanson recorded in 2006 will be presented, followed by the USS Iowa documentary. Also taking place Saturday, November 13 at 1:30 p.m., a video interview with World War II Army veteran Carl Beal recorded in 2006 will be presented, followed by the USS Iowa documentary.

Many may have noticed the absence of Waukon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Leddia Tallman for a three-month span this past summer, but many may not realize that absence was due to another calling to dedicated service.

Tallman, who was hired as the Chamber’s executive director in the spring of 2020, is also a member of the Iowa Army National Guard, and she spent mid-June to mid-September of this year at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina training with the National Guard to become an Adjutant General Officer. Tallman is currently a Second Lieutenant with the Guard, and is anticipating being soon promoted to First Lieutenant.

Tallman’s training this summer included working with members of the Army Reserves and Army Active Duty to expand her knowledge in Military Human Resources Systems across the Army as a whole. She currently serves as the Battalion S1 (Human Resources Officer) for the 133d Infantry Battalion of the Iowa National Guard based out of Waterloo.

Waukon Mayor Pat Stone (left) conducted a swearing-in ceremony for Mason Kwilinski (right) as a new officer for the Waukon Police Department prior to the regular meeting of the Waukon City Council Monday, November 1. Kwilinski joins the Waukon Police Department as a certified officer with 2-1/2 years of experience serving with the Marquette/McGregor Police Department. Submitted photo.

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon joins over a thousand libraries around the world during International Games Week as they transform their libraries with play. Like many other libraries across the country and around the world, Robey Memorial Library will offer special gaming programs and events suitable for the whole family.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, November 1 to address a full agenda of items including considerations and requests for direction relating to the 2022 Street Improvement Project, the group health insurance renewal for 2022 and Community Development Block Grants.

There was no Public Comment and the council moved into Department Reports with Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub providing an update relating to the Waukon City Park. Strub noted that preparations are being made in the City Park for winter with restrooms being closed and water being turned off. The new shelter in the former Jaycees Shelter location was discussed by Strub as having been completed with suggestions being accepted for naming of the new shelter. Strub advised that fall sports have wrapped up with winter sports beginning soon. He also noted that October was a good month for the Waukon Wellness Center.

Thursday, October 21, area firefighters from Decorah, Calmar, Fort Atkinson, Ossian, Waukon and West Union, as well as Mabel, MN participated in a natural gas safety training put on by Black Hills Energy. Firefighters practiced at the Decorah fire training facility, with a total of 51 firefighters joining the training to use techniques for effectively containing and extinguishing natural gas fires with the latest materials for portable fire extinguishers and hose streams under controlled circumstances.