River Valley

Arla’s Sewing Room in Lansing is a 2025 recipient of a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to improve energy efficiency in its downtown storefront on Main Street.

Owner-operator Arla Wagner worked with Clean Energy Districts of Iowa’s (CEDI’s) technical assistance to successfully apply to the U.S. Department of Agriculture REAP program for a $2,221 grant and completed the project in late June, installing two electric air-source heat pumps (mini-splits) to improve the building’s heating and cooling efficiency. Project assessments estimate the new units will save Wagner’s business 1,718 kWh or $240 per year.

“I’m very happy with the whole process and the results. I love them!” Wagner says of the heat pumps. “The CEDI team ironed out the details of my application and saw it through - not an easy feat in a year with so many changes to federal programming.”

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking informal comments on administrative rules related to Iowa’s wildlife. Executive Order 10 (EO10), signed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds January 10, 2023, requires all state agencies to identify which administrative rule chapters will be retained or rescinded. The EO10 process includes public engagement with the opportunity for input.

The Iowa DNR has reviewed chapter 571 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Chapters 76 (Unprotected Non-game), 93 (Commercial use of captive-reared waterfowl), 104 (Wildlife Importation, Transportation, and Disease Monitoring), 112 (Hunting Preserves) and 116 (Help Us Stop Hunger program administration). Based on the review, DNR has revised these chapters to modernize processes and improve clarity to customers.

submitted by Main Street Lansing

Main Street Lansing is proud to welcome its newest downtown storefront and business investor, Steph Liddiard Realty, LLC, led by the vibrant and experienced Steph Liddiard, a licensed real estate professional with Keller Williams.

“As Executive Director of Main Street Lansing, I am thrilled to see another locally rooted, community-driven business open its doors in our charming historic district,” shared Main Street Lansing Executive Director Jackie Cooper. “Steph’s dedication to her clients and her genuine love for this region make her a perfect fit for downtown Lansing.”

The grand opening of Steph Liddiard Realty, LLC was recently celebrated with a ribbon cutting and First Dollar Award presentation, as she was joined by the proud Main Street Lansing volunteers and her supportive family. “It was a wonderful moment to officially welcome her to our downtown and honor her investment in our community,” Cooper said.

The Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF) is accepting letters of interest for its “Emerging Needs” mini-grant program. Organizations should visit dbqfoundation.org/accf for more information and submit a grant request letter by July 31.

The “Emerging Needs” Mini-Grant Fund was created to address funding for community projects outside of the Foundation’s regular grant cycle. Grants up to $1,000 are available for organizations with a 501(c)3 designation, along with schools and municipalities. The Community Foundation accepts applications for grants in the areas of Health and Human Services; Education; Neighborhoods and Community Development; Environment; Children, Youth, and Families; and Arts and Culture (including historic preservation) that will benefit people residing in Allamakee County.

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council  met Monday, July 7 in its first regular session for the month of July. Among the agenda items addressed were a pair regarding the ongoing North, Platt and 4th Streets improvement project, discussion of regulation for mobile vendors, and the updating of the city’s excavation policy, among other matters.

Main Street Lansing Executive Director Jackie Cooper presented a request to the council regarding the removal of a shrub at 51 South Front Street. She stated that the shrub was obstructing the sidewalk and creating an unwelcoming appearance at the riverfront. Cooper, speaking on behalf of a local design committee, expressed a desire to improve the space with grass, a bench, or even a memorial seating area donated in honor of a resident’s daughter.

Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) celebrated the addition of seven new Heritage Area Sites during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony held Tuesday, June 24 at the Grout Museum District in Waterloo, marking a significant step in an ongoing mission to preserve and share America’s agricultural story. Among those new Heritage Area Site additions is the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center in Lansing.

The newly designated sites join a growing network dedicated to honoring the people, places, and processes that define the nation’s farming legacy. Ranging from dairy farms and museums to vineyards and tractor assembly plants, there are 118 sites and attractions in the heritage area formally designated with preserving and sharing their own unique part of America’s agricultural story.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) reported Tuesday, July 1 that it intends to keep the Black Hawk Bridge at Lansing open throughout the summer while construction continues on the new bridge adjacent to the current structure. The DOT will maintain its safety monitoring system on the Black Hawk Bridge while work continues on the new bridge. Having initially proposed a temporary closing of the bridge sometime after the Fourth of July weekend to accommodate some of that new construction process, DOT officials have since explained that they have been “looking at all options” in regard to continuing to construct the new bridge while maintaining the safety of the current bridge, and they say they continue to use daily analysis to determine the best course of action.

Pictured above, left to right - Officer Maison Schoh, Chief Ross Kolsrud, K9 Officer Tyr and Officer Makayla Walleser. Submitted photo.

This week's edition of the Standard includes the Heart of Lansing column by Jackie Cooper, Main Street Lansing Executive Director which includes information relating to the new Lansing-New Albin Police Department.

Pick up the Wednesday, July 2, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.
 

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council convened Monday evening, June 16 to address a wide range of municipal concerns, from infrastructure payments and staffing to fund transfers and a proposed relocation of City Hall operations. Throughout the evening, council members weighed financial responsibilities, addressed matters involved in official agreements, and held discussions about the long-term future of city facilities.

Following consideration of the consent agenda, the council reviewed and approved the first partial payout for the Platt, North, and 4th Streets infrastructure project. Mayor Mike Verdon conveyed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, remarking, “I think they’re making pretty good progress… they’ve got a bigger crew here now… They’re still thinking that by the end of June we can hopefully be pretty close to done with phase one of the project.”

The Ferryville Tourism Council is sponsoring the second of three Chautauqua Summer programs scheduled for this summer. This second program will be held Wednesday evening, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Ferryville Village Hall.

The featured presenter will be Larry Scheckel, and his topic will be “Amish in Wisconsin”. Scheckel is a retired social studies/science teacher. He has previously presented programs in Ferryville on the Clara Olson murder, one room school houses in Crawford County, and his adventures growing up on a farm in the Ferryville, WI area.

Scheckel and his wife, Ann, currently live in the Tomah, WI area. He will bring some of his books for purchase after the program.

Treats will be available. The final Chautauqua Summer program for the 2025 season will be August 13 and will feature Robert Taunt speaking about Marquette and Joliet.