River Valley

For those who would like to improve their balance or feel more comfortable participating in their favorite activities, Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is offering “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls”, an award-winning workshop designed to increase the activity levels of older adults with concerns about falling. This workshop has added benefit of being able to attend virtually online.

During eight two-hour sessions, participants learn to:

• Promote exercise to increase strength and balance
• Set realistic goals for increasing activity
• Improve environment to reduce fall risk factors
• View falls and fear of falling as controllable.

A jury of Allamakee County residents did not take long to render guilty verdicts against Felty Ervin Yoder, age 22, of Waterville on a total of 10 counts of criminal activity in regard to incidents that had taken place over the past two years, mainly against his wife. The jury, which was selected for the trial Wednesday, December 14 in Allamakee County District Court, heard testimony in regard to the overall encompassing case and returned guilty verdicts Friday afternoon, December 16 on four counts of Sexual Abuse Assault in the Third Degree (Class C Felony), five counts of Iowa Sex Offender Registry Violations as a Second Offense (Class D Felony), and one count of Domestic Abuse Assault as a Third Offense (Serious Misdemeanor).

by Julie Berg-Raymond

During its regular meeting Monday, December 5, the Lansing City Council voted to meet the requirements outlined by the Iowa Workers’ Municipalities Compensation Association (IWMCA) for safety training - which means agreeing to participate in a two-year program to “develop a safety culture,” according to Dean Schade, safety and risk approvement manager with IWMCA.

As the Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation (DOT) finalize their plans for replacement of the current Black Hawk Bridge, the “Light The Way” fundraising campaign to place 48 LED lights along the top of both sides of the new bridge - as well as four LED lights illuminating two bridge piers - is just getting started. The main campaign will begin in the Spring of 2023, but those who would like to take advantage of a tax deductible donation for 2022 should make their check out and mail it to: Main Street Lansing, c/o Light The Way Campaign, P.O. Box 307, Lansing, IA 52151.

Donations can also be dropped off at any local Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank. Those who have further questions are welcome to contact Lansing City Council member Steve Murray at blackhawkbridgelights@gmail.com.
 

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary Gustave F. Kerndt #5981 has announced the kick-off of the VFW Auxiliary’s National Anthem Singing Contest, “Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue!” Local youth in grades K-12 can showcase their talent, display their patriotism and express their creativity while competing for their share of $2,000 in national awards.

Contestants must submit a video of their solo vocal performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  Video must be uploaded to YouTube and submitted to VFW Auxiliary #5981 along with a completed entry form for judging. The video must be recorded between July 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.  Entry will be judged on vocal ability, mastery of lyrics, originality or interpretation and entertainment value.

The inaugural Faith & Blue event was held October 8 in Lansing, an event for local law enforcement officers to share their faith with the community in conjunction with the National Faith & Blue Weekend that took place across the United States October 7-10. Lansing Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl and Allamakee County Sheriff’s Deputy Ross Kolsrud shared their stories of coming to faith in Christ. The day included music from several musicians, comments by three local pastors, and a lunch served by the youth of the Lansing United Methodist Church. Free will donations received at the event were divided between LIFT (Lansing Iowa Food Trust) and The Way Station in New Albin, with each organization receiving $305.

Thursday, December 8, the Ferryville Vision and Promotion Board will be hosting a Soup and Salad Supper from 5-7 p.m. at the Community Center in Ferryville, WI. Those attending are asked to provide a freewill donation to the Ferryville Vision and Promotion Board for village improvements and beautification. Anyone with further questions should call Chris at 608-444-7986 or email chrisser51@gmail.com.
 

A free legal clinic program has been in operation since 1982 for residents of Allamakee County. The Allamakee County Bar Association, an organization of local lawyers, provides the services. Depending upon the nature of the problem, referrals can be made to private attorneys, Legal Aid Service, law enforcement or other government agencies for help. This service is primarily intended for those people who feel they cannot afford to consult with a lawyer, and do not know if a lawyer is required.

Appointments can be made by contacting the Allamakee County Clerk of Court in person or by telephone at 563-568-6351.
 

Lansing Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5981 recently made donations of $500 each to Lansing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Lansing Fire Department. Pictured in the photo above, VFW Post 5981 Commander Dan Hanson (middle right) presents a donation check to Lansing Fire Chief Stephen Darling. Pictured in the photo below, VFW Post 5981 Commander Dan Hanson (center of photo) presents a donation check to Lansing EMS Service Director Conrad Rosendahl with a number of other Lansing EMS volunteer crew members in attendance at the donation presentation. Submitted photos.
 

by Julie Berg-Raymond

Ian Zahren was appointed to the Lansing City Council during the council’s regular meeting Monday, November 21. Zahren takes the seat vacated by Bruce ReVoir upon his resignation, effective October 17 of this year. In his letter of resignation, ReVoir referred to “a few unforeseen health events that need my full attention.”

Zahren, a vocal music teacher at Kee High School in Lansing, has taught theatre and dance and started a non-profit in the Cedar Rapids area to support the arts. He served as executive director of Lansing RAGBRAI 2022 and led a large team of volunteers to realizing the biggest profit from the event of any participating city this year. In a text request for comment following the meeting, Zahren said, “I want to say thank you to the council for appointing me to the remainder of Bruce’s term; I look forward to serving the city of Lansing.”