Community News

Volunteers joined forces Saturday, May 4 for a day of tree planting in the Waukon City Park. A total of 51 trees were planted and mulched. This past winter, 52 trees were removed from the City Park that were either dead or that were ash trees in danger of infestation by the Emerald Ash Borer. Pictured above are this year’s tree planting volunteers: Left to right - Joe and Mary Cunningham, Troy Lubahn, Wade Oakland, Charlie Waters, Geralyn Smith, Rick Larson, Sharon Olson, Julie and Tom Bartling, Ken Olson, Bill Claire and Jeremy Strub. Submitted photo.
 

The month of May is “Community Action Month” and Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) has been serving the residents of northeast Iowa for 54 years. NEICAC is a part of the National Community Action Network - over 1,000 community action agencies serving the entire United States.

In Iowa, there are 17 community action agencies, serving all 99 counties. NEICAC serves Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties.

Dan Byrnes, Marcia Hesse and Jenny Cole represent Allamakee County on NEICAC’s Board of Directors.  Additionally, Byrnes is the Board Secretary/Treasurer and the Chair of the Finance Committee. Hesse and Cole both serve on the Public Relations/Media Committee.

The annual “Keep Waukon Beautiful Day” has been scheduled for Saturday, May 18 in the Waukon area, and volunteers can mark their calendars to help take part in the event in an effort to clean up and maintain the appearance of the community. Interested participants are asked to meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 18 at the front entrance of Waukon City Park.

Those participating are asked to bring with them garbage bags and work gloves. Those unable to attend are encouraged to take a little time that weekend do something positive for the environment, such as picking up trash or helping a neighbor with yard work, to show how they value the planet.

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon hosted author Heather Gudenkauf Monday, April 29 for an Author Event. Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of “The Weight of Silence”, “These Things Hidden” and “Not A Sound”. Her new book, “Before She Was Found,” features a chilling crime set in Iowa.

There were 25 people in attendance for Gudenkauf’s presentation. She talked about the process of becoming a published author, where she gets ideas for her writing, and how reading influenced her life growing up with unilateral hearing loss. She also signed books for many of those in attendance.

Gudenkauf is an Iowa resident with a background in education; she continues to work as a Title I Reading Coordinator. Submitted photos.
 

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, May 6 to address a full agenda of items including the Third and Final Reading of the Wastewater Utility Service Charge Increase, discussion of Robey Memorial Library roof issues and tennis court project funding.

After the meeting was called to order, two public hearings were individually held. The first was for Budget Amendment #1 for Fiscal-Year-Ending (FYE) June 30, 2019 and the other for the designation of an expanded revitalization “area” and the adoption of an amended plan for such area. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comment was received for either public hearing and there was no comment from the public in attendance. Both hearings were then closed.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, April 29 to address a full agenda of items including the First Reading of Amendment #3 to Zoning Ordinance L, consideration of a letter requesting NRCS professional expertise for the English Bench Watershed #9 and the discussion of nuisance properties and remedies and actions.

During Public Comment, Chairperson Larry Schellhammer discussed a recent conversation where he was informed that the U.S. Flag in front of the County Courthouse may be showing some wear and may be in need of replacement. Supervisor Dennis Koenig left the board room briefly to inspect the flag and upon his return indicated that due to the recent rainfall, it is difficult to see any damage or wear. The Supervisors agreed to examine the condition of the flag when it dries out and precipitation is not an issue.

Schools, libraries and bookstores in all 50 states will celebrate the 100th year anniversary of Children’s Book Week from April 29 to May 5 with the theme Read Now • Read Forever. Robey Memorial Library in Waukon plans a week full of the following activities:

Daily Story Time: Monday, April 29-Friday, May 3, 10:30-11 a.m. Visit the library each day for themed stories and a take-home craft.

Interactive Story Walk: Monday, April 29-Saturday, May 4. Read a book while moving through different areas of the library. Interactive materials provided.

Llama Llama Pajama Party: Wednesday, May 1, 6-6:45 p.m. Enjoy stories read by Kirk Snitker and a fun activity. Be sure to wear PJs!

Volunteers needed to assist

Waukon Trees Forever will hold its annual spring tree planting Saturday, May 4. Volunteers are asked to gather at the Waukon City Park at 9 a.m. for tree planting within the park. Shovels, rakes and work gloves are about the only tools needed. Work will consist of planting trees and mulching them.

Everyone is invited to help with the project. Rain date will be Saturday, May 11.
 

The auction being conducted by Sweeney Auction Service this Saturday, April 27 has a very generous component that really has never been experienced by the long-time family auction company and will have a lasting impact on a Waukon community school. The auction taking place at the Sweeney Auction Center in Waukon at 9 a.m. is for the estate of lifelong Waukon resident Richard “Dick” Schilling, as well as for the estate of Jeff Kovacevich from the Decorah area. What makes this auction so unique is the fact that Dick Schilling chose to leave the proceeds from the auction of his estate items to St. Patrick School in Waukon.

by Brianne Eilers

H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Every Animal Rescue Team), along with many sponsors, will be hosting its 3rd Annual Walk ‘N’ Wag Dog Walk event Saturday, May 4 at the Waukon City Park. This is the first year the event has been held in Waukon, and it is being held in Waukon to further promote the growth of foster homes and volunteers in the local area in support of the program.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Jaycees shelter adjacent to the ball diamond in the southeast corner of the park and the walk begins at 10 a.m. There is a dog registration fee of five dollars, and the walker’s name will be entered into a drawing for door prizes.