River Valley

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently seeking public comment for the proposed rule making to implement Senate File 2389, passed by the Iowa Legislature in April 2018, allowing the DNR to establish rental fees at state parks and recreation areas. This change eliminates the need for the DNR to go through rule making under the authority of the Natural Resource Commission to establish, change and manage fees for camping, the use of rental facilities and other special privileges in state parks and recreation areas.

As part of the legislation, the DNR is required to establish and adopt rules for the purpose of setting forth the methodology to be used in establishing fees. To obtain a copy of the rule making documents, visit the Iowa DNR’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/parks.

Due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted for this weekend, the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Harpers Ferry Booster Club have postponed the annual Harpers Ferry Youth Ice Fisheree originally scheduled for Sunday, January 27 at Nobles Island Boat Landing.  It will now be held Sunday, February 10 at Nobles Island Boat Landing from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Nobles Island Boat Landing is approximately five miles south of Harpers Ferry on County Road 364. Anyone 15 years of age and under is encouraged to attend with an adult. Ice fishing equipment, bait, food and hot chocolate will be provided. Entry to the fisheree is free of charge and prizes will be awarded to many of the participants.

Due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted for this weekend, the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Harpers Ferry Booster Club have postponed the annual Harpers Ferry Youth Ice Fisheree originally scheduled for Sunday, January 27 at Nobles Island Boat Landing. It will now be held Sunday, February 10 at Nobles Island Boat Landing from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Nobles Island Boat Landing is approximately five miles south of Harpers Ferry on County Road 364. Anyone 15 years of age and under is encouraged to attend with an adult. Ice fishing equipment, bait, food and hot chocolate will be provided. Entry to the fisheree is free of charge and prizes will be awarded to many of the participants.

by Macie Hill

The regular meeting of the Lansing City Council was held Monday, January 21. Discussion centered around approval of the consent agenda, discussion of Stone School development and an agreement with People Service.

The adoption of the consent agenda was approved consisting of council meeting minutes from January 7 and the Treasurer’s Report for December 2018. A motion was made and seconded for approval to put together an exploration committee to look into a development proposal for the Old Stone School.

Approval was also given by the council to approve the Operation and Maintenance Agreement with People Service to continue to provide services within the City.
 

Snow and ice buildup on natural gas meters can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to heating equipment and other appliances. To avoid trouble, one can gently remove snow and ice from on and around the meter with their hands or a broom. Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a critical safety issue. If at all possible, remove the snow before it has a chance to freeze.

Six individuals have submitted applications to the Subdistrict 1A Judicial Nominating Commission for consideration for nomination to the District Court. The 1A Judicial Nominating Commission will meet Monday, January 28 to interview applicants to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Margaret Lingreen.

The applicants include John William Bernau, Shea Marie Chapin, Alan Thomas Heavens, Nathan Carl  Moonen, Stephanie Christine Rattenborg and Justin Michael Vorwald. Any citizen may communicate with any Commissioner listed below to express their views of a candidate prior to the January 28 interview date.

The Judicial Nominating Commission for State of Iowa Judicial District 1A includes the following Commissioners (listed with their email contact information):

Holy Family of the Bluffs, consisting of the parishes of Immaculate Conception Churches at both Lansing and Wexford, St. Ann-St. Joseph Church in Harpers Ferry, St. Joseph Church in New Albin and St. Pius Oratory at Cherry Mound, celebrated First Reconciliation Wednesday, January 9 at Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing. Pictured above, left to right, are students who celebrated their First Reconciliation: Josy Connelly, Laira Davis, Madeline Mauss, Mallory McKee, Wesley McKee and Rowan Troendle. Submitted photo.
 

A total of 125 relatives of the Mary and Patsy Welsh family gathered for the Welsh Christmas Sunday, December 23. This legacy first began at the home of Mary and Patsy in 1920 and branched into parish halls and now, in order to accommodate the growing number of family members, a banquet hall.

Pictured above, left to right, are Essie Welsh, Bernard Welsh and Leona Welsh. A mass for the Welsh family was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, followed by a noon luncheon in Lansing. The meal was followed with a family picture, Welsh bingo, the story of “The Giving Tree”, the family’s own

Giving Tree in which they shared gifts with community members, and many shared memories. The Welsh Tree was decorated with just under 400 decorations with each of Mary and Patsy’s descendants’ names on the ornaments. Submitted photo.
 

The Kee High School Post Prom Committee will host Bingo Sunday, February 10 in the Kee High School cafeteria. Games will start at 4 p.m., with doors opening at 3:30 p.m.

Participants can bring a non-perishable food item or $1 donation and play an extra Bingo card free. All donations will be given to LIFT (Lansing Iowa Food Trust).
 

The Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Harpers Ferry Booster Club will host the annual Kids Ice Fisheree January 27, 2019 from 11-2 p.m. at Nobles Island Boat Landing. Nobles Island Boat Landing is approximately 5 miles south of Harpers Ferry on County Road 364. Anyone 15 years of age and under is encouraged to attend with an adult. Ice fishing equipment, bait, food, and hot chocolate will be provided. Entry to the fisheree is free of charge and prizes will be awarded to many of the participants.

In case of inclement weather or poor ice conditions a makeup date will be February 10, 2019 at the same time and location. Announcements will be made as soon as possible via the Allamakee County Conservation Facebook page.