River Valley

Area students were recently honored by Lansing Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #5981 and the Auxiliaries of Lansing VFW Post #5981 and New Albin VFW Post #5603 for their efforts in participating in the respective youth essay contests sponsored by those organizations for their age groups. Top entries in the Elementary School Essay Contest, Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest and Voice of Democracy Essay Contest were recognized, with photos of those students and some of their winning essays accompanying this article.

To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, December 17, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.

Main Street Lansing recently welcomed Renewed Vitality, a new holistic wellness practice founded by Kelsey Meyer, to downtown Lansing. Located at 20 North 2nd Street, Renewed Vitality brings personalized wellness services, whole-person care, and accessible therapeutic offerings to the heart of the Lansing community.

Meyer, a lifelong local with deep roots in both Lansing and New Albin, shares that her journey toward wellness began early. “I grew up in New Albin, and when you’re from either Lansing or New Albin, you spend a lot of time in both towns,” she said. “Living in a close-knit community and watching my mom care for others as a nurse shaped who I am today. It taught me the importance of connection, compassion, and whole-person care.”

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, December 1 with Mayor Mike Verdon and all council members present. The council addressed a full agenda focused on utility finances, infrastructure close-outs, bond documentation, and liability housekeeping related to the transition of City Hall into the former Lansing Middle School building at 696 Main Street, a change that was planned to be completed Friday, December 5.

A Community Resource Fair is coming to Allamakee County, scheduled for this Sunday, December 7 at the Northeast Iowa Wellness & Recreation Center in Postville, from 1-4:30 p.m. The event will bring together nonprofit organizations, government services, and community partners who support northeast Iowans with vital resources.

FEATURED SPEAKER
Organizers of the event are especially pleased to welcome Sarah Murray of Lansing, founder of “Hope is a Strategy” who has an incredible and inspiring story. After a fall left her a quadriplegic, she chose to use her experience to uplift and motivate others. Her message is powerful, hopeful, and truly encouraging. She’ll be speaking at 2 p.m., and everyone is encouraged to attend.

The community of Lansing has a pair of ongoing promotional events taking place as the holiday rolls on. Now through December 20, area residents and visitors can join in the promotional activities described below:
• Lansing Elf Scavenger Hunt - There are 20 elves hidden in local businesses, each with a holiday movie clue. Participants can find them all and match each movie title with the correct Elf business location as they explore downtown Lansing. Forms to be used for the Scavenger Hunt can be picked up at Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library or scan the QR code above to complete and submit the form. Return the completed print form by December 21 to the library or Main Street Lansing’s drop box at The Works for prizes and a chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars.

The community of Harpers Ferry will be hosting a variety of holiday events as the month of December rolls on. Area residents and visitors can take in some of that holiday spirit at the following events:

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council met in regular session with all in attendance Monday, November 17 to address a full slate of agenda items. The council approved the awarding and scheduling of the 2025 bond issue, renewal of health insurance coverage, the sale of surplus equipment, and steps toward addressing well and pumping system concerns, in addition to hearing a detailed Main Street Lansing report.

The community of Lansing has a full schedule of events and activities taking place as the holiday season gains a full head of steam. Starting as early as this weekend, area residents and visitors can join in the multitude of events described below:
• November 21-December 20: Lansing Elf Scavenger Hunt - There are 20 elves hidden in local businesses, each with a holiday movie clue. Participants can find them all and match each movie title with the correct Elf business location as they explore downtown Lansing. Forms to be used for the Scavenger Hunt can be picked up at Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library or scan the QR code at right to complete and submit the form. Return the completed print form by December 21 to the library or Main Street Lansing’s drop box at The Works for prizes and a chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars.

The Ferryville Tourism Council will host the 14th annual Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown Ferryville, WI at River View Park Monday, December 1 from 6-7 p.m. The event will be held in a white tent in the small parking area between Swing Inn and Wooden Nickel, right across the street from River View Park.  The tent will also hold two musicians, Crisse and Mark, better known as “Sixteen Strings and a Stick”.

Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and hot cider will also be available in the tent, and Santa Claus will also be on site. Song sheets will be available for group singing of popular favorite holiday songs.
 

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council met for its regular session Monday, November 3 with Mayor Mike Verdon absent and council member Mike Manning presiding in his place as Mayor Pro Tem. In a meeting that lasted just under half an hour, the council addressed key financial measures connected to Lansing’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives, along with routine administrative approvals and community maintenance topics, including consolidating municipal loan agreements, updates on federally funded water and sewer projects, and overseeing facility operations.

TREE REMOVAL REQUEST
The council approved a request from Ron and Susanne Herman to remove several trees on city property adjacent to their property on South Front Street. The Hermans volunteered to undertake this work entirely at their own expense and to assume full liability, ensuring the city would incur no costs or risks with the project.