River Valley

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, March 17. Several resolutions were brought before the council, including a pair regarding setting a date for public hearings for loan agreements helping to finance the water and sewer infrastructure portion of the North, Platt and 4th Streets improvement project, with all those resolutions being approved. The dates of those public hearings will be formally announced in the near future.

A citizen concern was raised regarding a levee lot north of the City Marina that has filled in with silt. City Clerk Teresa Severson explained, “So this one I already pretty much have my answers. He didn’t know how he was going to put his boat in. It’s filled in, but there’s nothing we can do about it.”

Main Street Lansing invites all community members, business owners, stakeholders, and volunteers to attend its Annual Public Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 27 at The Buck Stops Here, located at 367 Main Street, Lansing. The evening will begin with a social gathering at 5:30 p.m., followed by the official meeting at 6 p.m. led by Board President Chris Troendle.

The meeting will offer an opportunity to hear about the successes of the past year, learn about upcoming plans for 2025, and recognize those who have contributed to the local community’s growth. The meeting agenda will include the following: Welcome & Opening Remarks; Approval of Previous Minutes & Expenditures; Public Comment; Year in Review; Looking Ahead to 2025; Special Recognitions; Closing Remarks; Adjournment.

Join the Allamakee County Conservation Board (ACCB) for Earth Day at the Driftless Center Saturday, April 12 from 12-4 p.m. Celebrate a pre-Earth Day and partake in crafts centered around the planet. This is a free event that is open for all who walk in.

There is no registration required. For more information on this event call the ACCB at 563-538-0401. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center is available by following the ACCB on Facebook or on its website at https://www.allamakeecountyconservation.org/event-directory.

De Soto, WI is preparing to launch its first-ever Great River Canoe Race in an effort to bring adventure, tourism, and economic benefits to the community. The race will be held August 1-2 this year in the scenic backwaters of the old federal fish hatchery ponds at Veteran’s Park, drawing canoe and kayak enthusiasts from across the region.
The race will feature canoe and kayak races with singles competition and four-person relays. Organizers say the event will highlight the area’s natural beauty and attract visitors, helping boost local businesses.
However, before paddlers take to the water, organizers are calling on community volunteers to help make the event successful. A steering committee is being formed to oversee the event’s planning, logistics, and promotion. Community members are encouraged to step up and assist in key areas, including:
• Vendor & Community Engagement
• Park Beautification
• Sponsorships & Fundraising

by Joshua Sharpe

At the Monday, March 3 meeting of the Lansing City Council, council members addressed infrastructure projects, safety policies, and administrative concerns, tabling some items for further review. Council members approved the routine consent agenda items, with the exception of a liquor license renewal request due to incomplete paperwork.

RESOLUTION 1042 APPROVED
The council unanimously approved Resolution 1042, which formalizes the contract and performance bonds for infrastructure improvements along North, Platt and 4th Streets. Lansing Mayor Mike Verdon provided a succinct summary of the resolution, stating, “simply the contract and performance bond for the contractor for the North, 4th and Platt Street project.” Following a brief clarification to update the effective date of the resolution to coincide with the meeting date, council member Steve Murray moved for its approval.

The Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center will host Conservation Café Wednesday, March 19, starting at 9:30 a.m. This is a new series started at the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center to enjoy some social time with a hot beverage and a conservation-focused program to follow. The program will be free of charge, but advanced registration is encouraged.

Join Allamakee County Conservation Board (ACCB) Director Ross Geerdes as he gives a program on one of Iowa’s native venomous snakes, the Timber Rattlesnake. To register or receive more information on this event call the ACCB at 563-538-0401.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is seeking public comments on a draft Environmental Assessment, or EA, for its proposed Blackhawk Park bank stabilization and erosion protection project. The proposed project is upstream of Lock 9 on the Upper Mississippi River on the Wisconsin side, adjacent to Vernon County, WI.

The purpose of the project is to stabilize the bank and shoreline at five sites with seven work areas around Blackhawk Park that were affected by the flooding events in spring 2023. Construction would occur in summer 2025. There will be temporary effects to recreational activities in the immediate area during construction, which will last several weeks.

by Joshua Sharpe

At its Monday, February 17 regular meeting, the Lansing City Council reviewed the formal resolution for the Platt, North, and 4th Street Improvements Project, addressing contract terms and performance bond requirements. Legal and compliance checks were completed, ensuring the project met municipal standards. The resolution formalizes the contract agreement and performance bond requirements for the upcoming street improvement work on Platt, North, and 4th Streets.

However, deliberations revealed that some required bid bonds had not yet arrived, prompting a temporary postponement. Due to that missing element, the approval of the resolution had to be tabled.

Lansing VFW Auxiliary #5981 is hosting its Annual National Vietnam Veterans Day Soup & Sandwich Supper Saturday, March 29 from 3-7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church Hall located at 648 Main Street, Lansing. A Ceremony of Gratitude, to commemorate National Vietnam Veterans Day and to honor all Veterans, will begin at 5 p.m.

All Veterans are invited to attend. The event will include an expression of gratitude for this nation’s Veterans for their service and remembering their sacrifice to protect this nation during the Vietnam War and wars beyond.  

Mark the calendar for the 15th Annual Eagle Day, a free family-friendly event scheduled for Saturday, March 1 at the Village Community Center on State Highway 35 – The Great River Road in Ferryville, WI. Hosted by the Ferryville Tourism Council and co-sponsored by Friends of Pool 9, this event celebrates the majesty of bald eagles and the beauty of the Mississippi River.

This year, Friends of Pool 9 introduces a new feature, wood duck box adoption. Kids can adopt a wood duck box for free, choose to install it themselves or have a volunteer place it on the river, and track their box’s activity on Facebook. Plus, every child who adopts a box receives a free hooded sweatshirt from Friends of Pool 9.