River Valley

A video program about rattlesnakes produced by the Allamakee County Historical Society will be presented to the public June 14 and again later this summer. The program includes a presentation by Ross Geerdes, Allamakee County Conservation Director about local rattlesnakes, including their range, life cycle, poisonous nature, and cautions for humans interacting with them, and featuring a video appearance by Tim the Timber Rattler.

The video program continues with an interview with Mary Egan of Harpers Ferry, who was bitten by a rattler in 2023 and was hospitalized for 13 days. The video concludes with interviews by county residents Paul Howes, Kathy Howes, and Kathy Renk, all of whom will recount their interactions with the snakes in years past.

A new resource for birding in Allamakee County has been released thanks to collaborative efforts between the Upper Iowa Audubon Society and regional partners. The Allamakee County Birding Guide is made especially for those who are new to birding in Allamakee County, and those who are just new to birding. Birding locations and opportunities are grouped into categories built around different group needs, skill levels, visit lengths, and more.

The Guide is available for free at local Visitors Centers, including Allamakee County Economic Development in Waukon, the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center in Lansing, and Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry. A digital copy can be downloaded at www.northeastiowarcd.org.

The New Albin Public Library will be hosting a Meet the Author event Thursday, June 11, beginning at 3 p.m. John Haverty, a published author from Brownsville, MN, will be presenting his new book “Monkey, Bird, Frog and Me.”

The book offers a compassionate message for young readers navigating feelings of difference, loneliness, and self doubt. Through gentle storytelling and an inviting tone, the book creates a safe and encouraging space where children are reminded that they are seen, valued, and never alone.

The Meet the Author event is designed to inspire creativity and learning through fun activities, and there will also be time for little explorers. The event will also include snacks.

Pick up the Wednesday, June 3, 2026 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.

A video program about rattlesnakes produced by the Allamakee County Historical Society will be presented to the public June 14 and again later this summer. The program includes a presentation by Ross Gerdes, Allamakee County Conservation Commission Director about local rattlesnakes, including their range, life cycle, poisonous nature, and cautions for humans interacting with them, and featuring a video appearance by Tim the Timber Rattler.

The video program continues with an interview with Mary Egan of Harpers Ferry, who was bitten by a rattler in 2023 and was hospitalized for 13 days. The video concludes with interviews by county residents Paul Howes, Kathy Howes, and Kathy Renk, all of whom will recount their interactions with the snakes in years past.

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council moved through a full agenda during its Monday, May 18 meeting, approving a police vehicle purchase pending final numbers, a temporary 4th Street closure for the Lansing Liberty Motorcycle Rally in mid-June, a correction to an ordinance number, the Lansing Memorial Program, a June meeting date change, and several utility-related financing and grant-application steps. The council also took no action on the Casterton/Becker plat of survey after discussion focused on an unresolved storm-sewer easement connected to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT).

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council moved through a full agenda at its Monday, May 4 regular meeting that combined routine approvals, resident concerns, seasonal staffing decisions, infrastructure updates, and repeated reminders that the city is operating under tighter financial limits. That broader budget caution shaped several of the evening’s decisions, from small purchase requests to larger discussions about capital categories and future planning.

CITIZEN CONCERNS
Resident concerns were discussed early in the meeting, beginning with a written complaint from property owner John Brustkern regarding traffic speed on North Front Street. Brustkern was unable to attend in person, but his concern prompted the council to discuss whether speeding is an ongoing problem on North Front Street and whether additional visual reminders might help.

Main Street Lansing is seeking sponsors for its 18 downtown flower pots to help bring Main Street to life this season. Main Street Lansing Executive Director Jackie Cooper says that a $100 sponsorship will help beautify downtown Lansing with vibrant flowers for the community and visitors to enjoy all season long.

As a thank you, sponsors will receive a personalized plaque placed inside one of the flower pots, such as what is pictured in the submitted photo above. That plaque can include a business name, be in memory of a loved one, or include a family name, for example. Every dollar raised goes directly toward purchasing and planting the flowers. Those interested in sponsoring a flower pot should use the following link to complete the quick form and submit payment: https://impact.locable.com/widgets/contact_form_widgets/eedab176-f337-48....
 

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, April 20, addressing a variety of matters on a full agenda. The council conducted a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2027 City Budget and scheduled another public hearing for an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 City Budget, in addition to holding a discussion regarding memorials and accepting the retirement resignation of Street Superintendent Ken Ripp.

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, April 6, addressing a variety of agenda items that included routine approvals, infrastructure planning, utility rate changes, citizen concerns, event logistics, park maintenance, and traffic-related operational matters. Notable actions taken included advancing grant-writing and engineering steps for the Main Street reconstruction project, completing the first reading of a utility billing amendment, and approving tree removal at the municipal pool.

Area residents and/or visitors are invited to join the Lansing community in a Community-Wide Clean-Up Initiative scheduled for Friday, April 24 from 1-3 p.m. The event offers an opportunity to work together to freshen up Lansing for the spring season.

Volunteers will help with small clean-up projects around town, supporting local parks, non-profits, and community spaces, including areas that serve elderly neighbors. Anyone who knows of an elderly resident’s yard, back alley, or area that could use some extra help is asked to reach out to Main Street Lansing so that area can be added to the clean-up list.

Anyone who would like to participate is asked to also connect with Jackie Cooper at Main Street Lansing to find a location or project where they’d like to help. She can be reached by telephone at 563-538-9229 or by email at director@lansingiowa.com.