Education

Sarah Stock of Allamakee County was awarded the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at a recognition ceremony held Sunday, June 29 in Ames. One hundred and fifteen Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $121,850 were awarded as a part of the Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony. Over 450 applications were submitted, and scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 58 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering Ready, Aim, Fun!  Sportsman’s Archery Adventure Monday and Tuesday, September 8-9. The youth class will run from 4-6 p.m. at the Allamakee County Sportsman’s Club, located at 450 State Highway 9, west of Waukon.

Ready to discover a new passion and build valuable skills? This workshop is a perfect fit for children ages 7-12. Over two exciting days, expert instructor(s) will guide participating children through everything they need to know about archery, from essential safety techniques to the thrill of hitting the bullseye. The learning will be fun with engaging archery games, exciting challenges and developing skills that extend far beyond the archery range.

No prior experience is needed, and all the necessary equipment is provided. Students are welcome to bring their own archery equipment.

Allamakee County Democrats recently sponsored a school supply drive to benefit the Allamakee County Relief Office. The donated supplies pictured above will be distributed to students in need for the upcoming school year. Pictured at that donation presentation are (left to right) Ann Hart of the Allamakee County Democrats and Allamakee County Relief Office Director Rebecca Hawes. Submitted photo.
 

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) Board of Directors met on two occasions during the past month, including a June 26 special meeting and the board’s regular monthly meeting held Monday, July 14. Coverage of both meetings is provided below.

JUNE 26 MEETING
At its Thursday, June 26 special meeting, the EACSD Board approved several personnel and financial matters, including minutes from the previous meeting, held June 9. No public comment was offered during the session.

A multi-year agreement with the Eastern Allamakee Education Association, representing the district’s teaching staff, was approved. In addition, the board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chauffeurs & Teamsters Union, which represents the district’s hourly staff. Non-union employees will receive a 1.70% compensation increase for Fiscal Year 2026.

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon invites the community to join staff for an informative session on pet adoption with “Homeward Bound: Pet Adoption Basics,” which is part of the library’s Live & Learn series aimed at enriching lives through education July 31 at 5:30 p.m. in the lower level Community Room.

This engaging event presented by the Northeast Iowa Humane Society covers essential aspects of pet adoption, including the adoption process itself and available volunteer opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to hear heartwarming success stories from the local community.

In addition to these topics, the discussion will also delve into important practical considerations such as adoption costs, including ongoing expenses, and beginning care. Whether considering adopting a pet or interested in supporting local adoption efforts, this session promises to be informative and inspiring.

Robey Memorial Library’s “Level Up at Your Library” Summer Reading Program 2025 is underway and runs through Thursday, July 31. Activities include Reading Challenges with prizes for all ages, Kids and Teens Grab and Go Activity Bags, craft events and fine forgiveness, as described below:

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) School Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting Monday night, July 21. Under the Consent Agenda, the following fall volunteer coaches were approved: Football - Jarod Dahlstrom, Jon Snitker, Bob Wasson, Bob Mettille, Frank Weymiller, Ross Weymiller and Jake Zakostelecky; Cross Country - Dillon Daniel; and Volleyball - Katelyn Thiessen.

The board also accepted the resignations of Daryl Roe from her bus driver position and Colinda Roderick from her elementary paraprofessional position. Board approval was also given to the transfer of Kyle Gordon from middle school boys wrestling coach to assistant boys varsity wrestling coach. Also approved under the Consent Agenda was the NICC Concurrent Enrollment and Health Consortium Agreements.

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon invites teenagers in grades 7th through 12th to participate in two exciting book club series this summer. The Summer Book Club and Classic Book Club will run monthly in June, July, and August. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy snacks, participate in lively discussions, and explore engaging titles. The first five registrants for each session will receive a free copy of the book courtesy of the Robey Memorial Library Foundation, with titles available for check out.

The remainder of the Summer Book Club schedule will be as follows:
• Wednesday, August 6 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.  Book will be The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin.

Registered teens who receive a book and do not participate in the month’s book club will be ineligible for the next month’s book.

The Allamakee County Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Office will be offering three workshops designed to empower attendees with the skills and confidence to master the art of fermentation, create sourdough, and ensure a food business thrives with the highest safety standards. The Allamakee County offerings are part of a series of workshops being offered throughout the state of Iowa.

A Sourdough Workshop is being offered Tuesday, August 12 from 1-3 p.m. at Allamakee County Extension and Outreach, 218 7th Avenue SE, Suite #102 in Waukon. Register at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/blackhawk/sourdough-workshops.

Nolte, Cornman & Johnson P .C. recently released an audit report on the Allamakee Community School District in Waukon. A copy of the audit report is available for review on the State of Iowa Auditor’s website at https://auditor.iowa.gov/audit-reports.

Among the financial highlights taken from the audit, the District’s revenues totaled $19,539,116 for the year ended June 30, 2024, a 1.21% increase from the prior year. Expenses for District operations for the year ended June 30, 2024 totaled $17,244,343, a 0.01 % decrease from the prior year.

Revenues from unrestricted state grants increased $931,837 which was the primary reason for the increase in total revenues. Support services program expenses decreased $438,136 which was the primary reason for the decrease in total expenses.