Community News

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, September 23 to address a full agenda of items including a Revolving Loan Fund application, the hiring of a full-time Dispatcher/Corrections Officer and the Public Hearing for the Allamakee County Fiscal-Year 2020 budget amendment.

During Public Comment, Dennis Blocker with the Allamakee County ATV/UTV Club discussed setting up a meeting with a committee comprised of a few individuals from both sides of the issue relating to allowing ATV/UTVs on County roads within Yellow River State Forest. Board of Supervisors Chairperson Larry Schellhammer indicated that he would contact Allamakee County Attorney Anthony Gericke relating to proposed changes to the ATV/UTV Ordinance. Schellhammer said that both opinions relating to the use of ATVs within Yellow River State Forest are known and that the county attorney will be consulted relating to how best to move the process forward.

New rooftop array produces equivalent to the electricity use of 22 U.S. homes

by Lissa Blake

One of the largest privately owned solar arrays in Iowa is now up and running in Waukon. Gil Hunstad of G&S Machine recently had 554 370-watt solar panels installed on the roof of his business located just east of Waukon on Elon Drive.

“The system is estimated to produce over 250,000 kWhs (kilowatt hours) of electricity per year, which is equivalent to the electric use of about 22 U.S. homes,” said Matt Edwards, controller for CB Solar of Des Moines, installer of the solar project.

The system is built on top of Hunstad’s metal fabrication facility, which covers an 80-foot x 200-foot area. “We put rails across the roof for the panels to sit on,” said Hunstad.

A vacancy in the position of District Court Judge for Election District 1-A exists, due to the retirement of The Honorable John J. Bauercamper, District Court Judge, Allamakee County Courthouse, Waukon as of December 31 of this year. The Judicial Election District 1-A Nominating Commission is required to select two nominees by November 11 of this year to fill the term of office becoming vacant January 1, 2020. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will then have 30 days from the date of nomination to appoint one of the nominees to fill the position.

All applicants must be attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Iowa, residents of Judicial District 1-A, which includes the counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque and Winneshiek, when appointed, and be able to complete the initial term and one regular term of office prior to reaching the age of 72 years, as provided by Section 602.6201[2] of the 2019 Code of Iowa.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, September 16 to address a full agenda of items including the expenditure authority of the city manager, discussion of City Hall computers and the Waukon Police Department building redesign.

The Public Hearing on the proposed contract documents and estimated costs for Plaza Improvements was opened and closed. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comments have been received.

During Public Comment, Donna Harrington of 705 West Main Street discussed concerns relating to customers parking on the sidewalk at a business near her residence. Mayor Pat Stone advised that discussion of this matter continue later in the meeting with this being an agenda item.

A retirement open house is being scheduled for Tuesday, October 1 from 1-5 p.m. in the lower level Community Room at Robey Memorial Library in Waukon to celebrate the retirement of Waukon Police Chief Phil Young. The general public is invited to attend and enjoy light refreshments in celebration of Chief Young’s 32-1/2 years of service to the citizens of the local community as a member of the Waukon Police Department. That October 1 date will actually be Chief Young’s last day of work.
 

The Midwest Veterans of America hosted an appreciation event Wednesday, September 11 for area fire departments and law enforcement agencies at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. The event was held in conjunction with the 18th anniversary of 9-11, honoring the efforts put forth by those who serve and protect the communities of Allamakee County.

The event featured a catered meal served free of charge to those in attendance. Allamakee County firefighters and law enforcement personnel in attendance (pictured in the surrounding photos) representing their respective departments were recognized, applauded and given a plaque of appreciation to display and share within their departments. An auction was held, and music, dancing and socializing were also part of the evening.
 

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Tuesday, September 3 following the closure of Waukon City Hall Monday, September 2 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The council addressed a full agenda of items including downtown trash cans, paint repair of the north water tower and street damage at 16th Avenue NW.

The Public Hearing on the proposed modifications of permitted uses on conditionally rezoned real estate for property located at 808 Fifth Avenue SW was opened and closed. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comments have been received.

During Public Comment, resident and housing contractor Justin Piggott requested that the City look into the parking situation by a property at 208 Sixth Street NW. Under Departmental Reports, Assistant Police Chief Paul Wagner provided an update on testing completed by officer candidates with four individuals recently passing.

The State Library is partnering with the Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) to bring free high-quality adult programming to public libraries of all sizes across the state. The ISBA People’s Law School provides educational events where members of the public can find answers to life’s legal questions. Speakers present information on a variety of legal topics and answer general questions.

Tuesday, September 17 the ISBA People’s Law School event focusing on Iowa’s child custody laws will livestream at Robey Memorial Library in Waukon. Topics to be discussed in this session include:

• An overview of the two types of child custody in Iowa
• Information on how child custody is decided in a divorce
• Examples of how child custody agreements may be modified
• Resources available to parents who are divorcing or seeking to change an existing custody agreement.

Good Samaritan Society Waukon would like to alert all family members and visitors that starting in the middle of September construction work will begin that will impact the facility’s front entrance located on First Street SE. That front entrance will not be available for use for approximately eight weeks, but the other door located just down from the front entrance on First Street SE will still be able to be used until 7 p.m. each day by utilizing the appropriate code.

Any other door into the facility will be locked at 5 p.m., so it is encouraged that anyone coming to visit after 7 p.m. should call 563-568-3447 so a staff member can open the door. That number can also be called to have any further questions answered.
 

Youth entering grades Kindergarten through third grade are welcome to join 4-H Clover Kids. Clover Kids can participate in a club setting, such as Saturday Clover Kids, or in the Afterschool Clover Kids program in Waukon and Postville. The 4-H Clover Kids program offers the opportunity for some hands-on fun and learning (such as pictured above), as well as the opportunity to participate in the Allamakee County Fair next summer. Space is limited for each program, so those interested are encouraged to contact Becky Rea at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Allamakee County Office at 563-568-6345. Program brochures were sent home the first week of school with more information and registration forms. Registration is due by this Friday, September 6. Submitted photo.